What would a good version of linux be to fart around with?

[Human Snorenado]

Looking to spend some of the copious free time I've got farting around with linux, because... well, why not?  I've got an old desktop sitting around doing nothing, it's a P4 1.8 with I think about 512 mb of memory in it.  Anyone have any pointers for a newb?

[Ninja]

Ubuntu is the easiest to get the hang of imo.

[Van Cruncheon]

[demi]

This isn't how you should be spending Valentine's Day

[Vizzys]

ya try ubuntu, its ok

[recursivelyenumerable]

tbh 512m is a bit tight these days even with modern desktop Linux distros.  it's not hell, but it probably won't be totally smooth.

ubuntu is the standard recommendation.

[Arbys Roast Beef Sandwich]

Ubuntu would be the best, but on that set up I'd stick with version 7.10 or something. Or xubuntu.

[tiesto]

Isn't there some version of Linux you can burn to CD and run completely off that CD?

[recursivelyenumerable]

most distros have livecds these days.  obviously, running off CD will be slower.

[Brehvolution]

I just installed ubuntu 8.10 and think it's pretty cool so far. It comes stock with:

Firefox
Evolution email client
Open Office
gimp picture editor
bit torrent client
tons more....

Setup was a breeze. The best part is that you can install it right into windows and run both at the same time.

I'm going run a dual boot at home with the x64 version tonight.

Why did I wait so long to try this?

[Brehvolution]

Ubuntu x64 is so fast. 

Firefox is 10 times faster than the windoze client.

windoze

Ubuntu