Linux advice from a Windows user...

I always find it interesting to read about people's experiences with Linux. It makes me happy to know that I'm not alone in getting pissed off at how complex it can be to perform something that is so simple in Windows. That said, partitioning, formatting, and installing Windows really isn't any easier than Linux, just more of us have done it. Now that the installers have matured, it can actually be easier, with a few caveats. A USB mouse won't worked during the installation procedure for Windows 2000, just as it won't for Linux, but you'd have a realistic shot at getting it to work afterwards.

Before I get flamed to death for that statement, yes, I realize that you can get a wide range of hardware to work in Linux, if you have the time to track down drivers and can comprehend the installation procedure. In my experience, the more expensive your hardware is, the more likely it is to work with Linux. Go for the name-brand stuff, avoid USB like the plague, and don't buy a single product, with the exception of CPU's and motherboards that isn't at least six months old, or you won't find any support for it in your shrink-wrapped distribution.