I am using Linux (Ubuntu) for one and half year, i never felt like using windows except to test some viruses.
Ubuntu 8.10 Intrepid Ibex is the latest one, I hope it should work.
There is a really a good news for you(90% of the cases), Graphics in Linux are just awesome(mostly no graphic card needed, you need to install "compizconfig-settings-manager" and set the advanced desktop settings)
You can do almost all stuff that you do in windows.
But as a learner keep your vista and install Linux in separate partition, if confused install it in windows. Installing inside windows keeps your data safe but it has a drawback i.e., you can't read the Partition in which you installed Linux form Linux.
I suggest you to make a "'free partition'" of 15GB and install Linux inside it.
Connecting to internet is "sudo pppoeconf" command for broadband.
Installation of any software, in this example I took 'vlc' "sudo apt-get install vlc"
You need to type these commands in Terminal for shortest reach to terminal press Alt+F2, type the command and tick the checkbox below which says "run in terminal" and press Enter.
I missed 100% of the shots I didn't take!!
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