what would be the most user friendly linux? i tryied mandrake 9.1 before and it seems pretty simple. im looking at setting 1 of my pc on my network as a linux box. everything i have has xp. is mandrake 10 good?

If you think Mandrake Linux is simple, then take a look at Gentoo... taurus

thanks i downloaded it and will run install sometime this weekend

i havent installed yet not sure with box will be my guine pig. will gentoo work ok as a dual boot with xp?

If you really want to try linux, without having to dual boot, etc.. go get Knoppix, and try it out.. it's a live on cd distribution, simply download a .iso file, make a cd from the .iso and reboot your pc from your cd rom.. really simple, and quite smooth. I use it a LOT, plus, it's portable, one cd, take it with you anywhere, run it on practically any newer machine.

....and if you like knoppix you can then easily install it to your hard drive at a later date.

Gentoo Linux is not easy to learn or install. It is the best flavor though... by far. I'd start off with something like SlackWare or Redhat. Thanks, -Tom