08-17-2008 11:22 AM
Welcome to the Linux world.
For a new user, that wants to start using Linux I would suggest Ubuntu ... if you're planning on working and supporting Linux I suggest using CentOS as well (which gives you the RedHat experience).
I run VMs in my Linux OS:s for Windows XP/Vista and have moved away from dual boot scenarios. Once you feel confident, do the same and you won't go back.