I am new to linux and interested in running a linux operating system along side windows XP.

My problem is i dont know which OS to go for as i am new to linux, i have already partitioned my hard drive with partition magic so i'm ( hopefully ) ready to go.

Any help would be great

AndyR01

Before I answer your question, let me ask you one. How far are you willing to go with linux? Do you want to go deep into the guts of the OS to learn everything there is, or do you want something that just gets you online and lets you write documents? Or is it something in between? Do you want bleeding edge software, or do you want older and more stable versions? Try to map out what it is you will be doing on a linux system first, then choosing a distribution will be a easier (and less important) task.

At first i would like to get use to the feel of linex then i would like to explore deeper as for new and unstable of old and safe either way is fine as i dont mind reinstalling everything if my computer goes wrong

Pick the first one that suits you. The kernel's the same (some newer, some older), the programs're the same, the look's the same. Some have tools that others don't. Try a few (all at the same time, like me. ). You can always wipe the partition and start fresh if you wanna.

Well, if you want to start with just a "feel", you might want to start with Mepis or Ubuntu. Once you have a general understanding of Linux and how it differs from Windows (very important for someone new to Linux to remember: it's different), then you might want to move on to Fedora, Mandrake, or Suse. If you wish to step it up even further, go ahead and tackle Debian or Slackware.

Please keep in mind that these recommendations are just my general opinion. Personally, I started with Red Hat 8 and then moved to Fedora, all the way up to Core 4 (the most recent version). While I am capable of installing other so called "more challenging" distributions such as Slackware, I simply like Fedora and have no intentions of changing. I suspect the same will happen to you one day; you will find a distribution that you just "like" and stay with that.

Thanks Cory and bushidozen i will go explore and try out a few.

Oh and the best sites to download these from are ..... ?

Thanks again

Right here
click the download linux link to the right