Search through the board - there are a _great_ many posts at TFP about Linux.
Linux should run well on slower hardware compared to a Windows OS. Dual booting or using two hard disks works very well. During the install most Linux distro's will ask you what hard drive to install on - select the one you want.
What do you want to do with Linux that you can't do with your current OS? Some people switch because they like the control that Linux offers over Windows. Even with the nice GUI installs and such, I feel that Linux is a "do-it-yourself" OS. I'm very proficient with Windows and computer technology and it's slow going with Linux when you need to do things that aren't part of a default install. Not impossible, just requires some reading and re-education.
Here's some quick suggestions on playing around with Linux:
-- Go to a local book store and browse through one of many Linux guides - it'll give you a feel for Linux
-- Get a "live CD" version of Linux that runs straight from CD-ROM: I find Knoppix very compatible and works well for playing around
-- Try it out on a second hard drive
-- Get a Mac - OS X is UNIX with the convenience of the Mac UI
Good luck!
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