You can use Linux for anything, and you’ll get access to a lot of free software. You no longer have to go through some homepage to find software, you simply select what you want from a list and click to install. And you don’t have to worry about virus- or trojan infections.

The only reason why you might want to keep XP is if you’re a hardcore gamer, or if you’re a heavy user of some special application like Photoshop and you for some reason can’t use Gimp instead.

You would be best off RUNNING IT LIVE so you can get the feel of things.

Linux Mint 6 Release notes
http://www.linuxmint.com/rel_felicia_whatsnew.php

Linux Mint 6 Download
http://www.linuxmint.com/edition.php?id=31

Once you have got the feel of things you may wish to consider an installation

The Perfect Desktop – Linux Mint 6 (Felicia)
http://www.howtoforge.com/the-perfect-desktop-linux-mint-6-felicia

You download the ISO. image of Linux Mint 6 then you need to create a Bootable CD from the ISO. This can easily be done using Nero Burning ROM or similar software. Linux Mint can also be run straight from the LiveCD you have created without touching your Hard Drive.

Remember you can RUN IT LIVE !

Alternatively you can install Linux Mint 6 using mint4win which is a windows installer and based upon Wubi
http://www.linuxmint.com/rel_felicia_whatsnew.php
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wubi_(installer)

mint4win is included on the Linux Mint LiveCD. Simply insert the LiveCD whilst you are running windows and you will be given the option to ‘install inside windows’

You keep Windows as it is, mint4win only adds an extra option to boot into Linux Mint 6. mint4win does not require you to modify the partitions of your PC, or to use a different bootloader, and does not install special drivers. It works just like any other application.

mint4win keeps most of the files in one folder, and if you do not like it, you can simply uninstall it as any other application.

LUg.

http://wubi-installer.org/

Until you are well-enough versed you can safely use the above or one of several other programs called virtual machine. (don’t be tempted by emulators – I say this because there is a fairly good one (still far too slow) that a virtual machine aspect to it which is great).

You are not ready to use OR set up a virtual machine yet.

You need 5GB min.
You should choose (gnome) Ubuntu over Kubuntu or Xubuntu (KDE and Xcfe, respectively). This things will make sense soon if you choose to invest a little time with your machine and reading (as and when you feel you need to just implement Google and Wikipedia)

So . . . . . .
Now you have Ubuntu Linux 9.04. You select it or XP at boot.

Boot into it.
Click on Applications -> Accessories -> Terminal
Type this

sudo apt-get install ubuntu-restricted-extras

(Replace ubuntu for xbuntu or kubuntu if you chose eithert of them – don’t! you are not ready yet)

Now there is another way to enter the ‘ubuntu-restricted-extras’ package but this was the better way because when someone mentions the terminal/shell/command line or BASH you now know that they are all just the terminal.

Click
System -> Administration -> Synaptic
Enter your Pass
enter ubuntu-restricted-extras and check the the check box. As always when done choosing the packages and saying yes to each of them yiou must always click ‘APPLY’
Be careful what you select as some packages will break the machine. Don’t worry as the things you can have are very obvious.

Try these (they can easily be removed)
gtkpod (ipod sync)
miro
inkscape
vlc
ghochm. chmsee (to read MS help files that are like bookd)
v
scribus
abiword

Sorry but the list is too large! Google these.
Get to know the names of these nist impodt

I use my computer as an FTP server, a remote desktop server, a web server, besides the fact I use it for everyday things and more advanced things like running virtual machines.

►My direct answer to your question, "What can I really use a Linux operating system for?", is that you can use it for anything you use your current OS for. Although some games for proprietary OSes (E.G.: Windows) may need to be run through programs such as Wine (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wine_(software) ) or may not work at all. The Linux community is working hard to rectify this the best they can since they are not privy to the source code of the proprietary OSes. Even at that, Linux has MANY games that run natively upon Linux.

►My INdirect answer to your question, "What can I really use a Linux operating system for?" is that once one truly understands what "Linux" IS then one can then understand what it can do.

Due to space limitations here I’ll be supplying links to the info you need. It’s up to you to thoroughly sift these links for further understanding of what they’re teaching.

What is "Linux"?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux

Why Linux is Better:
http://www.whylinuxisbetter.net/

►To directly answer your question, "Do you have a good recommendation of a particular Linux?" would only be "pushing" MY chosen distro, which may or may not suit your tastes/hardware needs. But since you ask, I’ve chosen PCLinuxOS http://www.pclinuxos.com/ It suits my needs and it’s light enough that it runs on my OLD Compaq Presario 1800 (Circa Win ME) laptop.

►My indirect answer that question is this:

"Linux basics: Picking a distribution"
http://blogs.techrepublic.com.com/opensource/?p=382&tag=rbxccnbtr1

While reading that article be sure to follow the embedded link to “10 things to consider when choosing a Linux distribution.” for yet MORE info. Also read the Message Board Threads to pick up even more knowledge from IT Pros themselves.

"Choosing a desktop Linux distro"
http://www.desktoplinux.com/articles/AT3269115798.html

►To directly answer your question, "Can you give a short description on how to install it?":

●1. You don’t HAVE to install most distros at all! They come on Live CDs (or you can download the ISOs of them and make your own Live CDs) and run them from your CD-ROM. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Live_CD Live CDs can even run in a computer with NO HARD DRIVE AT ALL!!!!

●2. You can use the Live CD to install your chosen distro by simply following the prompts once you’re booted into Live CD.

●● 2.a. You can either replace your existing OS altogether. (NOT recommended for a person who is new to Linux!…unless you have re-installation CDs of your current OS.)

●● 2.b. You can set up a Dual Boot system WITH your existing OS and have the best of both worlds! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dual_Boot

►>"I wonder what I can use it for beside a handful of things i have in mind."<

You can find out the answer to that by actually trying some distros from Live CD to see what software they have bundled on top of the Linux Kernel.

►Aside from that, you can use any Live CD to get to your files should your OS (mostly Windows) crash so you can save them to CD if you have a second CD-ROM or break them up into groups that are small enough to e-mail to yourself so that after your Windoze re-install you can get those files back. This works especially well with an on-line e-mail server such as Yahoo!

►While the distros have their own forums to get help and information from and discuss that distro there are other Linux oriented forums out on the web that you can get help from as well. In addition to on-line help, you can find a Linux User Group near you to attend for person on person/computer help by using this handy site:

http://www.linux.org/groups/

That site is also full of other Linux info as well. I encourage you to sift through it thoroughly, too.

I hope this helps. Good Luck in your Migration to the Penguin!