well i dont know why everyone just so much praises ubuntu. when i ran its live cd i didnt find it that must good. ( although i am a complete newbie and pardon me if i am wrong ok!) i now have installed 'mandriva' linux( earlier mandrake) and it seems it is quite good !! also i have used fedora core 3 ( havent gotten a chance to lay my hands on fedora core 4) and it is also up to the mark ( according to me that is!). so before you get yourself a permanent OS do some research work not only on the net but also among a few linux users. check out their reviews and then go ahead! goodluck !! c ya!!