I wanted to get into the linux world for a long time now, but I j ust never got around to it, so I finall looked into it today, I downloaded Ubuntu Desktop v7.10 and ran the live cd and It ran very smoothly on my laptop and Liked itm simple to use. It seems to me that its a very user friendly distro. I want a stable version that I can run dual boot with windows xp. So basically im asking opionions or suggestions from the hundreds of other distros there are out there.

Every response you get will provide a different answer as to which distribution is best. That is because the best distribution is the one you are most comfortable with. If you like the Ubuntu Live CD, you will probably like using it better when it is installed on your hard drive. All Linux distributions are developed from the same code base, so they will all be about equally stable in use. Some distributions are intended to be easy to use for Linux newbies while others are intended for the total geek. Ubuntu has a reputation for being targeted to the new Linux user, so you may do well to start with it. I use Mandriva Linux here, and I think it is very user friendly, but then I have been using it since Mandrake 6.1 (about 1998 or 1999) so I may be a bit biased. If you really want to see for yourself which distribution is best, you should download and burn live CD's for several popular distributions, then make an informed decision from personal experience. I suggest you try (in addition to Ubuntu): Mandriva One, OpenSuse, and Fedora These are three big names in the Linux World, and you should not make a decision without seeing what they have to offer. You should also choose a few from this list from Linux Online HTH, Ernie Registered Linux User 247790 ICQ 41060744

Actually PCLinuxOS is very slick, I prefer this for newbies over *Buntu

You can't swing a dead cat and hit two linux users that agree on a distro. The few hundred live cd's are the best way to start. Then I'd suggest a Virtual Machine before I'd try a dual boot. VM's are near or at or above native speeds and they have little risk of borking you MS install. Lastly I'd suggest to a newbie a dual boot. Or you will be back here soon no doubt. I read it wrong and answer it wrong too. So get off my case you peanut.

SimplyMepis 7.0 or PCLinuxOS 2007.

Ubuntu is a fine distro to start with, and as another user said if you like the Live CD then you will like the full installation even more. Much faster and more responsive. I started out on Ubuntu and would not hesitate to recommend it to other newcomers. Slacker... and lovin it.