Can't speak for Oren (I'm sure he will pop in shortly)
I use a linux distro disk when I want to boot linux.
I know some use a thumbdrive too, just a matter of setting boot order preferences.

I understand the drawbacks of booting Linux this way, but for how often I use it, it works out for me.

Dual boot for Linux/XP on hard drives is easy enough to do, I had to set up a system this way for school last semester. I am sure it'll work fine for you.
Hardest parrt will be deciding on which flavor of Linux to run with!
I run Knoppix when I use it, but Oren is using Ubuntu I believe...


I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!