I want to start to learn about Linux. Can anyone tell me which versions are easy to get started with and which ones are easiest to install.

I've heard of Red Hat and Mandrake. Any others?

I want to dual boot my PC. Keeping Win XP on my main HD, but put Linux on my second smaller HD.

Carl, February 2004

I've used Ubuntu and find it good. If you go to www.ubuntu.com and follow the links, you should be able to request free CD packs. I got five packs and distributed them around my (geek) mates.

The pack contains a 'live' Cd and an install CD. You can boot Ubuntu from the live CD without making any changes to your system and see if you like it (much like booting off floppy disk). If you like it, go ahead and install it.

It's a good idea to partition your target disk drive beforehand so you can put stuff where you want it during the install process.

Graham Stewart, July 2006

Mandrake 9.2 is thought to be one of the best versions to learn if you are new to Linux.

Go to www.mandrake.com

You can download it for free, or buy it.

Kev, February 2004