I agree, the best way to start with Linux is get an Ubuntu LiveCd, it'll let you know if it will work on your hardware and let you try it out. Ubuntu is the most popular Linux distribution but there are hundreds of others that suit needs differently; ever come across a "dead" windows system, my Knoppix LiveCd has saved several systems on its own. I also have a 4 GB Ubuntu flash drive that I carry, any computer that can boot to USB can run linux from a thumb drive.