what is the genral opinion on linux? i have a few different versions of them but never actually botered settign them up, is it worth a try? will i still be able to run microsoft programs on them? e.g. word etc? or is there an equivalent already installed? just one more question! linux or windows vista, which do i try next?

My Linux tinkering days a thing of the past, in fact all in the last century! I am not up-to-date with the recent distributions available. I'm sure someone with more recent experience will be along sooon to offer advice.

You can run many Windows programs on Linux by using WINE. Also there are many Linux alternatives to programs you will be familiar with from Windows.

http://www.winehq.com/

As for Vista, I have no intention of trying it out any time soon. I will leave the 'trying out' to others. Perhaps in a year or so I will give it a spin.

cheers, yea i think i would probably be better waiting for a service pack to come out with vista, there always new problems!!!! think i might just stick on a version of linux on an old hdd an give it a try. ts worth a go! thanks for wine too!

You can tinker with Linux using VMware. Here is a screenshot of me running Windows XP, while Windows Vista is also running but in a VMware virtual machine. The Vista window can run in fullscreen as well.

You do not need an extra HD, as VMware creates a file that is used as if it was an extra HD.