> Where do I start? What version/flavor do I get and where should I get it?

I've heard many people say they think Mandrake is the easiest distribution
to install for a first time user. AFAIK, Mandrake is a repackaged version of
RedHats' distribution with ease of use enhancements.

I like RedHat's distributions. I usually buy it direct from them so that
RedHat gets the maximum amount of cash (cut out the middle man). You can of
course download it all for free. However, I find the printed documentation
and having the nice set of CD's well worth the price. Plus you get some
limited tech support that I've heard is good, although I've never used it.
Since you're in NC you'd also be supporting people in your state (RedHat is
in Durham).

> How much machine is needed? memory/speed/disk?
> What are the trade offs?

Depends on what you want to do, assuming you want the whole Xwindows GUI
experience, at a minimum you'll need hardware similar to what you would use
for Windows. Definitely check all the hardware compatibility lists to make
sure your target hardware is supported. Regardless of which distro you
choose, the RedHat web site is a good starting place for checking hardware
compatibility. I've had the most trouble with newer peripherals and ones
that are built into motherboards (video, sound, modem, NIC, etc.).

Paul

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