OK guys, an update.
I recently downloaded Ubuntu Linux 7.1 (Gutsy Gibbon) and burned the .iso to CD. I then proceeded to reinstall windows, while in the process creating 2 partitions. One for Windows and one for my new Linux installation. After installing XP and reinstalling the usual drivers,programs etc I proceeded to install Ubuntu.
Installation went smoothly and I was up and running with a dual boot system in no time. I got Ubuntu to run restricted drivers for my Radeon X550X, whoo hoo.
I also dabbled and experimented with various themes and log on screens which I found at:
http://art.gnome.org. Overall the support that can be found the OS is widespread and a solution to nearly any problem can be found with a quick google search and failing that the large support of the Ubuntu community.
Some more links:
http://www.ubuntu.com/support - this is for Ubuntu Support
http://www.ubuntu.com - this is the Ubuntu homepage.
My thoughts:
Running on a fairly modest machine:
AMD Athlon 3200
2GB RAM
Ati Radeon X550X
160GB HDD
The Gutsy Gibbon is extremely stable, windows is often slow to respond when browsing the local network or copying files etc. With Ubuntu 7.1 this isn't the case. I haven't had a program hang on me, the OS hasn't crashed or experienced any fatal errors of any kind. The whole experience has been very pleasurable and the transition from windows to Ubuntu was rather smooth.
Support for networking is superb with the PC being able to connect to the local network in an instant with no hassles at all. (I have however struggled to get it to log on to a WPA encrypted wireless network.)
A word of warning, due to propriety licence issues, mp3's, mpeg movies and DVD's cannot be played natively. This is no fault of the OS. However it is easily fixed by obtaining the "Ubuntu Restricted Extra's" package.
Something which really suprised me was the fact that I was able to see, read,write etc to my windows partition natively which is a big bonus as it eliminates the need for 3 partitions with the 3rd one being a "data" partition. One cannot see the linux partition though, although as I am led to believe this can be rectified.
Oh and the joys of not having to worry about viruses,spyware and the like are truly a joy. :)
Oh and all the bundled apps are good ones...one could start working right away after installing as the following brief and incomplete list will show:
Firefox (web)
Evolution Mail(email)
Pidgin(IM - MSN, Yahoo,Jabber,Googletalk etc)
Open Office 2.3
Gimp (Image Editing Software)
I think that is enough for now but ja...i am really impressed and seem to be spending more time in linux than in windows...