I have noticed in the Linux comunity that many start off by dual booting until they master the new OS then ether move away completely from MSor keep running XP just for their games but use Linux OS for their main OS. The Linux comunity is very helpful to new users and of course there is a Linux magazine here sold at most newsagents and supermarkets £6-49 here in the UK called Linux Format (Linux Format :: The website of the UK's best-selling Linux magazine) which comes with a DVD with many distro's and a good read and very informative for the new and experienced user.

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PC: home build (built and owned by an old git)
Case:Antec 300
PSU: CoolMaster Real Power M700
TFT Screen: ASUS VH226 21.7"
Mother Board;Asus P5Q DeLuxe
CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q8200 2.33GHz 1333FSB (Retail 775
RAM: GeIL Black Dragon 8GB (4x2GB) DDR2 PC2-8500C5 1066MHz Dual Channel Kit
O S:Microsoft 7 Ultimate 64 bit
Speakers: Logitech Z 5500
Sound Card: Auzen X-Meridian (Dam good it is to worth every penny)
Video Card: Saphire HD4870 Toxic 1GB
Hard Discs:
C: SAMSUNG: HD103UJ [Hard drive] (1000.20 GB)
D: SAMSUNG: HD103UJ [Hard drive] (1000.20 GB C drive raid
G: SAMSUNG: HD103UJ [Hard drive] (1000.20 GB