Linux - which, where and how easy

Hey guys, I'm a hardware junkie, and up until now I've always been bad with software, but I've recently decided to build my own web-server and use (after all around encouragement) Apache WebServer... thing is, I'm running my main rig on WinXP (yeah yeah - I know, I hate it too, but like I said, software isn't really a concern of mine), and I know that I could do a better (and overall easier) job on Linux. Here come the questions - which version of Linux should I use (prefferably a downloadable free version)? Now, to start with it'll be off of my main computer, so how would I go about installing Linux on a separate hard drive and choose my OS upon booting up? ummm, what else... I think thats actually it for now, I mean once I've got it I'll mess around with it and see what I can figure-out myself, after that I'll have a friend help me out with Apache - unless you guys can suggest something else? I mean, I know a LITTLE html, a little more Java, and forget about C++, so writting my own code is out of the question for now. Anyways, any suggestions and help is appreciated - thanks a bunch.

<b>people are only idiots when they don't realize - when they do it just gets funnier, like a dog chasing its own tail, or like george bush's public address(es)</b>

thanks dude, will do

<b>When someone sells you a computer with an ECS mobo, they're ripping you off - when someone sells you a system with no case fan, they're just an idiot</b>

mandrake or red hat

<A HREF="http://www.suse.com/index_us.html" target="_new">SuSE!</A> - And for the Crystal Orb help, I know where ya migh fina a full, matched, boxed set of Suse Pro... shot me a private email. SuSE's smooth, installs like a dream, and perhaps the most "Professional" Linux. (if your hardware isnt TOO new).

But for a WebServer, load up IIS(M$'s Internet server), its on your XP Pro CD, and also in your ControlPanel, Add/Remove Programs, on the left "Add/Remove Wondows Components" - Just check IIS - and thats it! Its a NICE Web Server, and ASP(VB Script/Java) has native support, both server and client side... Nice stuff and easy...

Apache is included with Suse Pro, and PHP which is very much like ASP - do one ya can do both - both conceputually and programaticly the same - just html wrapped with conditional scripting... (C++ not necessary)

Per dual boot, just dorp in SuSE disk 1 and it leads ya right thru it...
I find Suse Pro the easyist most complete "Full" linux distro, simply cause it has "Everything" all matched and packaged up and in "One Place" for easy install amd management. Ya can mess around downloadin, burnin, an findin parts and learnin "About" Linux - OR ya can use SuSE and "Use Linux"!

Linux is a lot like the orb ya suggested. One can mess around stickin on an makeshift HS, or just just do it right, and somehow "Find" an matched set a Suse Pro!

my $0.02 goes to Debian. apt-get <nice program> is soo much more convenient than rpm for newbies. Granted Debian is a wee tiny bit more difficult to install and run, but I still recommend it. SuSE would be second...

Dev

---
My Sig:
))
(( ___________________
|||_____________|_____|

Gentoo's emerge <program> is sweet too. Downloads, compiles, and installs from source

Some day I'll be rich and famous for inventing a device that allows you to stab people in the face over the internet.

Hey-ho slver. Imagine newbie trying to install everything from source, his head will explode! Or, if your not compiling everything for a week, why have Gentoo at all?

Debian, I say...

Dev

*Walking to get asbestos suit*

---
My Sig:
))
(( ___________________
|||_____________|_____|

Probably because you are speaking to an audience. Win XP is a very good OS.

If you have a problem with Win XP you will hate linux.