Well, I'm finally going to do it. Switch to Linux, that is. Or at least stick my toe in the waters of alternative OSes with a dual-boot.

Disclaimer: I am not a computer geek. I can write code in several languages, but I am not a 'code ninja'. I don't get the hex jokes on ThinkGeek (I do get the binary ones). I don't really understand regexp (/s'\v']? huh?). I'm not stupid (well, sometimes I am), but programming is my hobby, not my defining passion.

Basically, I'm tired of Windows XP's clunkiness, and I don't see any future with Vista. Too many hoops to jump through, too expensive, and not enough reward. Linux was always too intimidating, but it's finally reaching the point where I feel comfortable enough to try it. From the LiveCDs I've tried, I can say that I just *like* Linux. I like the atmosphere, and I like the 'feel' of it (can't define this; it's like describing the difference between the 'feel' of VB and Ruby). I expect that if all goes smoothly, I will eventually phase out Windows as much as possible.

I use my computer for three basic purposes; to web browse (and design), to program (Python, lately, but who knows next week), and to write. That's about it -- I have a decent computer, but it's starting to show its age, especially on games like Oblivion and Sims 2.

Ideally, I'd like to use two separate distros, one to install on my computer for general use and the other to boot from USB or CD when I'm ready to really crunch down on writing and want no distractions (read: I lack discipline and need my web taken away to get anything serious done).

For general use, I'm leaning towards Dapper Drake, since it looked to me (when I tried the LiveCD) to be basically as easy as Windows with the shininess of OSX. And free. And with lots of open source software. Is this not much of a step away from Windows, or a good choice for a first Linux experience?

For crunch time, I'm looking for a CD or USB bootable distro that doesn't do much of anything except word processing. Most distros that I've seen that are small enough have tons of extras I don't want or need, or use LaTex (the compatibility issues worry me) as their word processor.

I don't need (or want) a portable server, disk recovery tools, web access, whatever, for this purpose -- I just want to boot up in 'crunch time mode', open my word processor (preferably Open Office) and type. I've considered making my own distro using one of the 'modular' systems out there, but I'll admit I'm hugely intimidated by most of the instructions.

Essentially, I'm wondering if it will hurt my computer if I try to install Ubuntu on my second hard drive to dual-boot with Windows on the primary hard drive (apparently, my 'boot sector' might be corrupted and then my computer won't boot any more)? And is there a smallish distro out there that just does OpenOffice and maybe plays music? Is this idea of using two distros even possible, or should I just settle for Ubuntu and try to learn discipline (probably)?

Anyway, this is my first journal post, so I have no idea if anyone will actually see it or not, but if anyone does and has any suggestions, I'd appreciate hearing them.