I might get Debian...

[theguy0000]

Ok. Debian, Fedora Core, SuSE, Mandriva, or pretty much any other Linux will work with what you mentioned before, so if you're looking for suggestions on what distribution to use, you'll need to give us more criteria. For instance:

1.On what type of computer are you planning to install it?
2.Will it have broadband internet access?
3.Any non-standard PC parts on it? (RAID, scanners/cameras, 3D Goggles)
4.What brand is the video card on this computer?
5.Are you looking for "Looks like Windows XP" or are you more comfortable with "let me tweak it as much as possible"?

1. Dell XPS 600; 500GB HD; 2GB memory.

2. yes, I connect with a
USB wireless to a wireless router, which is connected to cable internet.

3. HP Deskjet 3845 printer

4. Nvidia

5. doesn't matter.

[techieMoe]

1. Dell XPS 600; 500GB HD; 2GB memory.

2. yes, I connect with a
USB wireless to a wireless router, which is connected to cable internet.

3. HP Deskjet 3845 printer

4. Nvidia

Your wireless card will probably give you trouble, but there are ways around it (NDISWrapper, DriverLoader). The rest should give you no trouble.

[gtmtnbiker98]

If you are looking for a Web server, then a conventional Cat. 5 connection is more suitable over any form of wireless. Just my $.02!

[theguy0000]

That wireless card is really important, I hope it's not too hard to fix!

[theguy0000]

well, I am installing Debian now.

This is my first time. I have no linux experience. Who thinks I can get it right the first time?

*crickets chirping*

didnt think so. :P

edit: WOOHOO im actually doing it right! so far...

but does it usually take awhile to detect hardware?

[techieMoe]

but does it usually take awhile to detect hardware?

Depends on the system. What do you call "a while"? If it's more than about 15 minutes that's probably not a good thing.

[theguy0000]

naw it finished, it was just stuck at 0% for a minute or so.