Firstly do not think Linux are only for the old computers. The new Linux distros are for fast computers and they can make use of fast CPU and large RAMs better than Windows. Also take note that we should do some investigations before buying a new computer. My notebook and desktop work with Linux without any problems since I have done some homework before purchase. Secondly, treat Linux as equal as Windows if one wants to experiment with Linux. Often people (including me), give Windows most of the harddisk space and leave Linux to a small partition. That is not going to work. I find out this the hardway. I have to re-install Windows and Linux since my Linux partition soon ran out of space. The more experienced users will have the main partitions using Linux or use Linux only. Thirdly, lack of standard is not necessary a bad thing. End user will feel a bit frustrated initially. However after some experiments, people can stick with a distro he likes the most. For example, I like Ubuntu and I am going to stick with it for some time. Fedora Core 3/4, Suse and Debian are the best bet right now since it is easy to get problems solved with these mainstream distros. Still there are many interesting distributions like Gentoo and Slackware which are very good as well (for more advanced users). I am not a very experienced Linux user but I find Linux to be really easy to use right now. Ubuntu is quite good for beginners because it often works right out of the box. It is not for old notebooks though. Regards, Xiaofan -- http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist