Q: There appears to be a few different versions of Linux that are available. What is the best one(s) to use for my needs?

A: That is the fun in distro hopping, trying to find the best distro for your needs.

Q: I want to get rid of XP so should I format the drive prior to installing Linux?

A: The distro will offer to reformat when you install it to your hard drive.

Q: How about drivers, are drivers readily available for Lunix?

A: From my experience, some distros do a better job than others at finding suitable drivers for your particular components. That is why the "Live CD" concept is so nice. You test drive the "Live Cd" before you commit to an installation. Check to see if the video, wifi, sound, camera, and everything else you can't live without works using that distro's "Live CD", and if it doesn't, try another distro.

Q: How about a browser or an email program. Or should I just use Yahoo email?

A: All of the distros come with browsers and usually they have email programs, If you don't like those defaults, check to see what other software replacements they have available in their software repositories ot centers, Personally, I use Thunderbird to access my Yahoo and Gmail accounts.

Q: Any anti-virus programs for Linux?

A: Usually ClamAV is available in their software repositories and if you desire, AVG offers a free Linux antivirus.

Q: Is there anything else that I need to know?

A:
1. Always verify the file integrity of the downloaded iso (md5sum).
2. As others have mentioned, the "Live CD" will be slower than the installed version, sometimes a lot slower than your patience.
3. Always check to make sure you meet the system requirements before downloading the distro's iso.
4. Before downloading an iso, Google "Installing" thedistro "Linux" to find helpful videos.
5. Remember lighter usually means faster.
6. Distrowatch should a great resource for in your search. (http://distrowatch.com/)


HTH

JBlatz