Hello, I to fell in love with linux. But for older machines I feel that ubuntu is to much. You should try xubuntu 12.10: http://mirror.anl.gov/pub/ubuntu-iso/CDs-Xubuntu/12.10/release/

Choose the xubuntu-12.10-desktop-i386.iso for 32 bit systems. You can do this in two ways:
Burn it to cd or install it to a usb stick unetbootin.

I use unetbootin for a faster install. You can install it by way of window or linux: http://unetbootin.sourceforge.net/
When you open unetbootin choose disk image and then pick your os. Then click install. If a message pops up click yes to all.
Then plug in the usb stick to the pc you are trying to install it and click f8 or what ever your system uses to open boot prompt and choose your usb. and go from there.

If you need help you can contact me at cevins.linux.help@gmail.com