[ShadowAce]

we're assuming the links in the OP will give us the safety of a supported XP OS?

No--These are not XP--they are XP replacements. Equivalent functionality, but NOT Windows.

Are the above sites/programs free?

Yes.

Is that what "open source" implies?

Not technically, but most people take it that way since the vast majority of open source programs are free (as in beer).

Oh, and thanks for the post/sources.

No problem. Glad to help.

[Bikkuri]

1 correction, my FRiend ;)... RedHat is NOT free ;^)