I am tired of my windows Vista, and the guy who hooked up my broadband told me that I could download Linux for free. I can't figure it out all the sights say they have it but none will actually let me download it
I know that you know how to do this help me, please.

Well there's a ton of different flavours for Linux, so that really makes your choice harder.
I'm currently using Fedora and it's working well.
You can find it here: FedoraMain - Fedora Project Wiki (http://fedoraproject.org/wiki/)
You want the x86 version.
Download the ISO, burn them to disc with an ISO burner and away you go.
There's a ton of info on the link that explains what to do.

Good Luck

Will software and hardware made for xp work with linux?

On the whole yes.
I've installed Fedora and it's big brother RedHat on a number of machine, including a server and laptop.
No problems at all.
Admittedly things got interesting when it came to wireless, but even that is resolvable.

I just recently set up my desktop as a dual boot Ubuntu/XP machine. I'm enjoying the learning part and the helpful Linux community.

NK, now throw Vista on for lots of fun ;)

Ben,
Nosirree Bob!

Matt, if you decide to go the same route as me let me know, I can set you up with links about Ubuntu and a list of tons of open source software.

Thanks you, I got it to a disk now all I have to do is install it.

I just found this link: Software Categories (http://www.getdeb.net/browse.php)

Sweet, I wanted to try my hand at video editing and now I can.

Need.That link is a straight 5 :)

If you are intessted in Video editing check out Jahshaka (http://www.jahshaka.org/) it's a need little programm just a little bit to resource intensive but it has a lot of options and tools.
Other opensource programs can be found here: Open Source Alternative - Scribus (http://www.osalt.com/scribus)

Now using the Epiphany web browser,and Ubuntu to view this site.Taken down my Vista logo,and showing my linux party meal gif. :D

No... I've taken Need's suggestion on board :)

The best linux version available know is Ubuntu, you can either download it >> (www.ubuntu.com/download) or you can order and they will send you copy through postal mail for free >> (https://shipit.ubuntu.com/)

Nez,
I'm surprised your avatar isn't:
3681

:D

The avatar I want is a liverpool fc badge...

Just changed it.Now with both Ubuntu,and Mandiva to play with,maybe I can finally get to "real" grips with linux. :cool:

I did all the downloads and made the disc. But when I try to restart my PC ubuntu comes up but will never start. It tries but eventually just gose blank.

Ok so I am trying anouther download. My PC has a 64 bit Turion procesor so should I take the 64 bit version? I am asking only because, the PC came with the 32 bit Vista.

Yes, use the 64 bit version. The download I used was an .iso that made an install CD AND a Live CD. The Live CD could browse your hardware and let you know of any problems with missing drivers.

Download Ubuntu | Ubuntu (http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu/download)

I put the whole thing on one DVD. It comes up with the title screen but when I click install it starts to install but then just gets stuck.

I used several distributions of Linux in various hardware configurations in the last three months. 80% of the time installation goes pretty smooth. 50-60% of the time even wireless gets detected. When wireless might need some tweaking and I always go for ndiswrapper, which internally uses the proprietary drivers released by the manufacturer for Windows XP. Out of all this I like Linux Mint (http://linuxmint.com/) which is based on Ubuntu (which in turn based on Debian) for its simplicity and elegant menu layout.

Linux Mint (http://linuxmint.com/), PCLinuxOS (http://www.pclinuxos.com/), Sam Linux (http://sam.hipsurfer.com/news.php), SimplyMEPIS (http://www.mepis.org/) etc come with some of the proprietary drivers as well.

LinuxMint, SimplyMEPIS and SamLinux are all my favorites.

Ubuntu is the easiest transition from windows. Simple layout. Be careful using the synaptic package manager, you can mess up your software very easily. So do a lot of reading before you do anything with your software settings. If you need any help there is a online support help for just about anything you will ever come across.

Ubuntu Home Page | Ubuntu (http://www.ubuntu.com) you can get a free cd mailed to you any where in the world.