So that I can actually have a net connection when I'm at uni, I need to install Linux on my notebook. I've used it very briefly once years ago and know very little about it.

Anyone want to help me or point me to some sites that can? I know my way around a computer so I should be able to follow your instructions .

I'm thinking about using the Ubuntu os. That one ok?

Probably the best one for newcomers. Easy to install, easy to keep updated, easy to use. You'll have to do some power user-ish stuff to get some software working (Mostly games and MU* clients), but it's mostly quite simple. For a MUD client I recommend tf (TinyFugue) or mmucl.

Personally I use Fedora Core 5, but I've heard Ubuntu is fairly user-friendly so you should be all right with that. Just grab the necessary installation ISOs from the official site (if you're unsure which type you need, assume i386) and burn them onto discs, then just boot the comp with the first disc in the drive (if you have a DVD-ROM I suggest just getting a DVD ISO if available, saves time messing with discs during installation) and when it boots it should go into an install wizard.

Ubuntu doesn't have a DVD ISO, IIRC, but the installation is fairly small (It comes with no dev tools) so it's only one CD. You can get additional software from the net easily using automated package managers.

I love the Ubuntu concept. You can visit their website and they will ship you 5 installation packs for free, including an install disc and a livecd so you can try the OS (or use it for system recovery).

Ubuntu is fairly easy, if you want a dvd install, mandriva is also very newbie friendly. (also good to note that Mandriva and some other distro's support live versions that can be used with an USB key and a cd.)

Fedora core's 'finished' products are relatively user friendly but their current publishes aren't because it's under development and often requires coding for it to do what you want.

edit: also check out www.linux.org, they have some tutorials on installing and usage. Mandriva also has a bunch of userguides but I didn't check if it's club only.

Here is a site that lists all the different distro's out there. There are a ton but I enjoy choices

http://distrowatch.com/

I LOVE Ubuntu and I got 9 ship-it Cds free....so much love for Ubuntu...
love-mimi

Thanks for the advice everyone . I tried the live cd for ubuntu and my touchpad mouse didn't work. Do you think the drivers will be on the full install?