i have a spare computer. it's a P2 300mhz

What are the benifits of using linux? or redhat? which one should i go with?
Would it be compatible for my nvidia graphics card?
Could i still network with xp and transfer files?
Can i still use kazaa and winamp?

any suggestions?
where can i get a copy?
thanks
noam

Best to get redhat (or any other distribution) on a cd, rather than download as they are huge (usually like 5 cds worth!). Very likely redhat will work with most nvidia cars. pc apps (like kazaa and winamp) will only "work" on linux if someone has either written an equivilent in linux, or you use some kind of emulator. You can't download pc apps and run them stright on linux. If you are not sure about wether linux will run pc applications i suggest you avoid install linux, it will be a very steep learning curve for you.

The benefits are
More secure if configured correctly
more stable
free software
faster bug fixes
Better for use as web, ftp, telnet or any other type of server
you rarely get viruses that can infect a Linux system.
you can legaly copy and sell it
the list goes on.

Its not very good if you are going to be using your pc for gaming though, but support for games is improving and Mandrake 9 is probably the best distro for it.

For a first distro of Linux either Red Hat or Mandrake would be best to go with I recommend Mandrake to any Linux newbie.

agree with gfscvx you would be better to buy it than download it you have the choice to buy an official distro or a burned copy.

And Im 98% sure your nvidia card is supported by red hat and Mandrake.

You can get a copy either directly from the website

www.redhat.com

www.mandrake.org

Most Pc world stores also stock it and waterstones bookshop.

If your in the uk I can do you a copy, I dont have the latest versions though.

P.s dont be put off by people telling you its difficult to use that only applies to the likes of slackware Red hat and mandrake are a piece of piss to use.

For all its foibles, you do have to say (especially with XP) that Windows is alot easier to use the even the most polished distributions of linux. In my opinion don't start linux unless you want to learn it, or you need it for a job (i.e. any kind of internet server).