Hi - I've been given the above laptop and want to let my daughter use it for homework and other uses such as watching film, listening to music etc etc.

So, could someone please suggest the best linux distro to install, to replace windows vista - given the machines hardware capability..shown below
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Processor type Intel Core 2 Duo T7500
Processor speed 2200.0 MHz
Cache size 2.0 KB
Bus speed 800.0 MHz
Display
Display size 13.3 inches
Resolution 1280 x 800 pixels

Graphics Type Integrated
Primary Graphics Chipset
nVidia GeForce Go 8400M GS
Storage
Drive size 160.0 GB
----------------------

When it was running windows, it was running quite warm... so I'm hoping that Linux will run a little cooler....

Help/ advice really appreciated.

Try ubuntu or linuxmint.
If you want to learn a lot,you can go for debian.
In any case as you are new,download live dvd version for installing.
I recommend linux mint with linuxmint with cinnamon desktop/mate.


Do not select no codecs version.reason:you have to install codecs later.though installing is very easy,

http://www.linuxmint.com/release.php?id=25