There are quite a few Linux distributions, but they are free so if the price is the same ?? for the windows XP vs the Linux - I'd get the XP on it.
Then you can always load Linux later or as a dual boot system.

There are "live CD" of various Linux types in the computer magazines at large bookstores - the magazines are 11-14 bucks though

Oh and libraries that have Linux books usually have cds in them, but they might be older unless you are near a large city.


Simply Mepis is my favorite Linux distro - I tried Ubuntu, Kubuntu, Mandriva, Suse, Puppy Linux, Damn small Linux...
more info -
http://distrowatch.com/dwres.php?resource=major
{on another page on that site are prices for various Linux disks -1.95 and up}


If you get the XP on the notebook you can still download free open source programs.
You jus thav eto use the filter or advanced search to find windows programs.

like foxit reader, open office, - anything Microsoft has - open source usually has a match for it.
find them at - http://sourceforge.net/softwaremap/t...hp?form_cat=18