Yes I know, old thread but exciting and important topic: using Linux to take back control of
your computer.
Ubuntu 10.4 LTS(Long Term Support) is not as 'cutting edge' as 11.04/11.10 but it's stable and up to date.
http://releases.ubuntu.com/lucid/
Choose from the two versions of Desktop according to the hardware you have. If in doubt the P
C (Intel x86) desktop CD will be just fine, for any modern Intel or AMD hardware.
Link:
http://releases.ubuntu.com/lucid/ubu...sktop-i386.iso