We all started in your shoes. I still don't know that much about the more complex stuff but I've been using Ubuntu for a year or so along with other variants and have had alot of fun with it. I think its very easy to use system. I really like the fact that I no longer need virus protection bogging my computer down.

Ubuntu has managed to gap the bridge between windows and linux. If you want to try Ubuntu out on your windows computer use Wubi. Its an installer that can run Ubuntu without altering your windows install or partition. If you don't like it you can simply remove wubi from the add/remove programs.

Enjoy.

Neal

Here is a link that might be useful: Wubi installer

to actually install ubuntu on the same hard drive as xp you have to set up a dual boot, you would have to create a partition for your ubuntu to live on, which entails using the partition program that is on the live cd, probably Gparted, you then make the windows partition smaller and from that new free space you create the partition for linux. This is the most dangerous part because if you do it wrong you can wipe out your entire windows partition, so it is usually best to get help from someone who has experience if you feel you are not up to the task. Once you have the partition set up the rest is basically naming the proper areas for your root, swap, what ever you want to set up.
What happens after it is set up as a dual boot system is that when you boot up it will present you with a boot screen that lets you select which you want to boot to the xp or the linux.

I bet there is a linux users group (LUG) around you somewhere, they are a great resource and very helpful to new linux users, in fact most have an install day about once a month or so where you can bring your computer up there to where they meet and they will help you do your install.
Look up linux user groups on google and see where the nearest one is.

I have ubuntu 7.10 and Mepis 7.0 dual boot system on one of my computers. I have not upgraded to ubuntu 8.04 yet because it is still a bit buggy, I am happy with 7.10 so will wait a while till some of the stuff gets worked out, like all new distro upgrades there is that break in period.

What ever you do before you attempt to set up a dual boot with windows BACK UP every single thing, if possible do an image with Acronis True Image or some image program, because I have seen way too many people come crying to the linux forums about losing windows, be safe not sorry.

I love linux I am using Mepis right now, I never surf the net on windows anymore, for day to day use I only use linux.
this is a link to a good guide.

Here is a link that might be useful: partitioning

another great article everyone considering linux and dual booting should read. Plus it tells you how you can use the linux cd to create a rescue/restore partition for your windows.

Here is a link that might be useful: info

Thanks for the link Indy452. I used Wubi installer and it started out real smooth but I stll have a bug to figure out.
It is showing an error 15 when I try to boot up into ubuntu. I have to do some reading online to find out how to fix it.
It is almost more than I can understand but will keep trying. It has to do with the new sata hd I put in recently according to web.
I wish I had a computer expert for a neighbor right now.
Also thanks ravencajun ---- will look into local group (LUG) you mentioned.
ABH

"I love linux I am using Mepis right now, I never surf the net on windows anymore, for day to day use I only use linux."

I was in the same boat for about a year using linux for just about everything. Sadly, after I got AT&T wireless I could no longer access the internet. I have tried every free disto I know of and none will recognize my Sierra wireless 875U card. If I knew of a distro that would run my wireless card out of the box, I would buy it in a heartbeat but don't wish to throw my money down the drain should it not work. I was using a paid copy of Xandros 4.1 when I switched to wireless so now I'm once again stuck with Windows.

Mepis usually is about the easiest to get to work well, and you don't have to pay for it, just burn the iso live cd and install it. Mepis has built in assistants to aid in those setups. There is a good forum with helpful people at mepislovers. you can get a copy at distro watch.
Try the forum and ask about your specific card and see if anyone has experience with that one.

Here is a link that might be useful: Mepislovers

Finally got ubuntu installed and using it now. I had to disconnect my second hard drive to do the install with Wubi but now works GOOD. Will install second drive later. Now to learn the system. New lingo.
Thanks for everyones help and links.
abh

there are great support forums for ubuntu, I would go ahead and join up on a few, you will find a lot of good info there.