I use arch linux. It's not for new users although its not particularly hard if you are willing to read. Its just so customizable you have to know what you want(and you won't). Ubuntu is great for starting with and even utilizing fulltime if you like it. I cannot give my cell out as I simply don't have the time to do one on one support at any point in my day. I can, however, give you my email which i'm very responsive to, at least at work(my g/f doesn't own a computer, so my offtime is not 'online'). You should honestly read into 'dual booting', which isnt hard. On XP, read about shrinking the partition. You only need about 10 gigs to start with to test out a distro. On vista, there is a built in resize tool. Clear up about 10 gigs of space, and you can dual boot ubuntu with windows. When you power on, it will ask you which you want to run. That way, while we fix your linux, you can use windows for the tasks you need done. There's TONS of step by step guides and documentation. I won't reinvent the wheel. You are a smart guy, if you want to learn, you will without force. I'll try my best to help you along the way..