Want to Switch to Linux... problems...

[CrookedRain]

Ok, so I want to switch my computer from an Windows XP OS to a Linux one - but I have a few problems...

1. My computer is laptop and I need to make sure I can still use wireless internet. I need to know that my computer can even do this... Without being wireless access - I won't even be able to download the tools I might need to be able to get the wireless access.
2. I own a microsoft Zune. I'm really hoping there's a way I can transfer my music from my computer to my Zune with a linux os. I have all my music and docs backed up onto removable storage - so I should be able to move my current collection to the new os... but if I get more music on my computer - I'm going to want to sync it with my zune.

Well those are my two main problems. Dual booting would make sense - but the reason I'm switching OS's to begin with is to save space - I need something lighter, something that takes up less of my HD - so that isn't really an option...

If anyone can help solve my two problems - I'll really appreciate it. Also - distro suggestions would be nice as well. And the laptop is an HP Pavillion DV8000. I'd tell you more about it, but I don't know what anyone would need to know - but if you need to know something tell me - and I'll let you know.

Thanks.

[Huntsman191]

Although wireless on Linux can give you some hassle, it can be very simple. Try a simple google search:
HP Pavillion dv8000 Linux wireless - Google Search

That should get you lots of information and tutorials about how to set up wireless on your laptop.
You might also have to download and install the drivers if your card isnt supported by your chosen distro. If you dont have a 2nd computer in your location which has access to the internet, id recommend to Dual-Boot for the first while so you have access to the internet to download files for linux. Then once your finished setting it up, you can go ahead and remove the Windows partition and combine the Linux and Windows Partitons.

2nd:
Most Microsoft products wont work natively under Linux (i wonder why?), but you might want to try WINE. Incase you dont know, its a Windows Compatibilty Layer that enables you to run Windows Programs under Linux. So you should still be able to sync your music. If it uses a specific sync program, the use WINE.

[Huntsman191]

For a simple setup and easy to use Distro, id recommend going for Ubuntu or Mandriva.

[devils casper]

Ubuntu is one of the best newbie friendly distro. I would suggest you to boot up from Ubuntu LiveCD and check if it detects hardware fine.