distribution?

[validname]

I am considering switching over from Windows 2K to Linux. I have been a little overwhelmed in my research of Linux distributions. I used RedHat with a dual boot for a while but it got to be too much of a hassle. I intend to completely migrate to Linux. I'm running a 1.2 GHz Athlon with 512MB memory. I use my computer for word processing, the internet and to download/play music. I want something very customizable, and I don't mind doing some work up front to get it the way I want it, but then I want minimal hassle. I need my computer to be very stable for school. Can anyone recommend a good distribution for me or point me towards some resources?

[Dangermouse1]

What was the dual boot problem? Also are there any programs you will need to work on at school and at home that would need Windows?

[validname]

There wasn't a real problem with the dual boot: I just don't want to screw around with two OSs. For school I may need to read Word or Excel documents, but Star Office can do that, right? Other programs I'll need are a browser, peer to peer file trader (Kazaa Lite?), media player (Winamp?), and an email client; though I can't think of any compatibility issues with these, recommendations are most welcome.

[Dangermouse1]

I would still be tempted to stick with dual boot and check you can do everything you need to do with Linux before getting rid of Windows. You should be able to find a Linux prog to do all you need but it may take time and if you dump Windows too soon you can bet you will suddenly find you need it if only temporarily.

[validname]

I will have access to a windows computer on my home LAN over the summer, in which I don't have any school work. Any recommendations on a distribution or on some good, up-to-date reading that compares and contrasts different Linux distributions?

[kilgoretrout]

Mandrake 9.1 is excellent and should have everything you need. For P2P in linux try limewire but you'll have to install java first. Kaza will not run on linux. There is learning curve on linux so I would recommend dual booting till you get your linux box set up the way you want.

[jglen490]

Mandrake is always a good choice. I've used 8.0, 8.2 and am waiting for delivery of 9.1, it's great distro. StarOffice will work fine, but use OpenOffice.org instead -- it's free!!

With all the law enforcement focus on P2P "sharing" these days, don't waste your time. Limewire has some mixed reviews -- it either works great or it's a pain in the butt to install. You will find that anything you can do in Windoze you can do equally well in Linux at a lower investment. Real hard-core gaming can be a problem with Linux, but that changes daily.

Dive in, the water's fine. I think you'll enjoy your Linux experience.