Calling all Linus experts

The smallest and simplest may be different than I remember. 2 years ago, I tried to get Linux, and fount Ubantu. It was really streamlined, barebones simple. It had MS Office compatible software, and had absolutely no trouble booting on dual-boot setup. Unless you have broadband internet, it is best to order a free cd, but they are in VERY high demand, so try to find someone to download it for you. Before completely scrapping XP, try F-Secure first- it has a 30-day free evaluation version, with no requirement of a credit card before trying the evaluation version, which simply times out after 30 days and locks up. After that, go to the website and pay the $60 for a yearly subscription. With a firewall and antivirus, the Internet Security Suite is worth $60.

You should try some virus programs first. F-Secure is good, it has a 30-day free evaluation version, with no credit card required before download of the Internet Security Suite, which includes firewall and antivirus. If you still want to go Linux, try Ubantu. It is free, and one of the smallest versions. Linux is nice, because compared to Windows, it is streamlined-no unnecessary garbage running in the background to eat up RAM. If you go to the Linux.org homepage, you can even request a free cd for cost of shipping. The guys running the site try their best to keep up with demand. Be patient-it is hard to get unless you have really fast dial-up. Before going full Linux, try a dual-boot first.

Welcome to the world of Linux Arkie69. There are many user-friendly Linux distributions available nowadays. Many offer an improved computing experience when compared to their Microsoft counterparts and you may even feel that you personally aren't missing a beat after the switch. A good place to start is by taking the following questionnaire: http://www.zegeniestudios.net/ldc/ I don't have any idea about your computing needs, and an operating system is a personal choice that is affected by your requirements. The questionnaire does a very good job at assessing your needs, qualities and personality and matching them up with a Linux distribution. I use Kubuntu. It is a great OS. The zegeniestudios.net questionnaire recommended it to me. The great news is that there are an abundance of quality resources available on the net for new Linux users. Use the support forums and don't be afraid to ask for help. Good luck.

like others said you can give ubuntu a try ,you can order kbunti linux from link below https://shipit.kubuntu.org this is KDE version of ubunti so its bit user friendly when compared to GNOME version.. but you cant experiment with the OS much as it doesnt come with all compilers so you can even give pclinuxos a try even its user friendly and comes packed with a necessary compilers and so you can actualy experiment with Linux OS..

Use Ubuntu, it is very quite easy to use and desktop interface is also pretty cool. The best thing is you can request a cd from its website (www.ubuntu.com) and you can learn using it while using the internet as references. I used Windows XP Professional Service Pack 2, I was very tired reinstalling and repairing my system if I get infected by an antivirus but I have tips here (ednarolclyde.blogspot.com) maybe it can help you. I have never experienced a virus problem again because I am using avira free edition, mcafee enterprise 8.0 and comodo internet security at the same time.

You know you are right that LINUX is more secure & stable but for that you must trained before using LINUX. because LINUX is not easy like MICROSOFT where you just do any thing. and LUNUX INSTALLAITON IS not easy for new user in Linux. & as I suggest you to stick with your XP if you are a homeuser or using it for small business. just do 1 thing use reliable antivirus ( not more costly today) othervise there are many antivirus freely available on net use it, one of them is AVAST which is very good, Install it , On your Firewall & Enjoy XP. LINUX IS only for Corporate users as now.