This has beena really helpful thread. I haven't much experience with Linux. Used Red Hat 7 a few years ago for a short time, but didn't really get into it much. I have Knoppix and Austrumi live CD's I am playing with now and then. RH seemed to be kind of cumbersome to get going. And it was HUGE. Well it seemed huge. Dunno, I may get converted in a few years. Especially if/when Vista takes over. I don't like the 2 time activation thing. Especially since I format once a year.