What types of programs will I need to download and burn Linux? Also can I have a dual boot so I cab boot up windows xp and Linux? I have nero already. Do I download Linux via torrent or IRC or what? =/
First find a distrobution. THen read their download info. Some allow you to download the iso images through Bittorrent or you can download them directly from one of their mirrors. It is possible to dual boot, its really cool. Some distrobutions include Ubuntu, SUSE, DSL, Fedora Core, etc.
I'be tried a few different Linux distros (distrobutions), the most recent has been Ubuntu linux, I've been using it on a few computers dual booting with windows XP for about a year, if you are interested you can download it from: http://www.ubuntu.com/download and get support from: http://www.ubuntuforums.com/ I would not recommend installing any Operating System without fully backing up all important data on your harddrive, the risk of data loss when you are unsure of what is being done is a very real and possible one.