Just an innocent question. If I download Linux to replace Windows XP, what happens if I decide I don't like Linux.
You can try linux by using something called a "Live CD". I am sure others on this thread can recommend one that will work for you. Most of the Live CDs do not require a hard disk and will run directly from the CD. They may be slighlty slower than a hard disk install but switching back to Windows requires nothing more than a reboot.
As well, don't be afraid to get impatient or otherwise bored of any distro and you find yourself switiching back and forth between Windows and Linux (re-installs). I did it for a few years before I was fully comfortable with Linux.
In the long run, your going to learn ALOT about both Windows and Linux.
Just my $0.02
Little stormtroopers come in the middle of the night and have a "talk" with you.
Or ....
Replace Linux with Win XP.
The easiest I found to install and configure has been Mandrake (now called Mandiva), if you are serious, I would suggest you try this one first.
"Just an innocent question. If I download Linux to replace Windows XP, what happens if I decide I don't like Linux."
if you don't go dual boot and go with a full install it can cause some problems. a windows install disk will not work on top of a HD with linux on it. you can grab an old 98 startup and reformat the HD then install XP back. if your OEM disk uses ghost you don't have to worry about anything. it will wipe the HD clean and put XP back on it.
honestly, if you can't build your on computer you shouldn't try linux without having some linux friends near by to help you.
or just try the liveCDs, they are harmless.
u dont' have to "replace" xp.
you can run linux off a cd only (slow, but makes no changes to your system) to see if you like it. I would recommend MEPIS very highly. I have heard Mandriva is good for newbies, as well.
If you like it well enough to install it, you still can keep xp on your system. Just shrink the partition xp is on, install linux in the now-empty new partition (Partition Magic works for me) and "dual boot" Your machine will have a "boot menu" to load either linux or windows when u start it up. There are LOADS of instructions in linux forums walking you thru these steps. It ain't rocket science.
My bet is that you will eventually ditch xp altogether. I did.
Then you re-apply and re-register Windows XP and go on your merry way :).
I suspect if the re-registration process goes awry and you have to call - Explaining that you tried Linux and didn't like it would earn you a hassle-free re-registration ;)
If your computer did not ship with Windows XP and driver CDs and you are not computer savvy enough to work around such things, then I would suggest your Linux experiment take place on an expendable computer.