how to set up a Linux box

[Leslie Fairall]

Hi everyone:

I very much would like to set up a Linux box, but I'm not sure how I 
should proceed. I have an extra computer with Windows XP installed that 
works fine. My understanding is that I could network this computer with my 
main computer, which is running Windows Vista. A friend also suggested 
installing a distribution on a flash drive. I'm looking for thoughts, 
suggestions, and opinions here. Thanks.