After trying the Ging distribution of Linux, and experiencing some of the shortfalls of booting from a CD (slooooow boot time, and almost no software installed), I decided to try a Linux distro that everyone seems to recommend: Ubuntu.

Ubuntu is nice so far. It booted quite a lot faster. In fact, if it took a long time, I didn't notice. It comes with Firefox installed (unlike Ging) so I can make use of it right away. And it looks friendly (although Ging looked friendly too). That look probably has more to do with the Gnome interface than anything else.

If I ever need a Linux OS permanently installed somewhere, I might choose Ubuntu.