You can test out many linux distros by downloading and burning a live cd.
This opportunity gives you a chance to see if that particular distro
works with your hardware. If you like it, usually you can install the
entire OS from a file on the temporary desktop. I personally prefer
PCLINUXOS since it uses a simple method to install the Nvidia video
drivers. I dual boot with XP, since I sometimes use XP to answer questions
about that OS that my customers might have. I did try one of the later
Vista Betas, but I did not like it. I felt that it was too intrusive,
bulky, clunky, and prone to unexpected failures. Apparently, MS did not
do much to improve it in the final version and the drivers for many
devices are scarcely out of Beta (if you are lucky). MS spent a lot of
money, but free software has them beat. All my devices, except for video
and printer, were found and activated. The printer and video were easily
installed. My OS found my Sata drives, my Nvidia chipset, everything. MS
doesnt dare put out a live cd. Who would want to install it?
