Dual booting Windows with Linux is relatively easy, just remember to install Windows FIRST then Linux Second.
Yeah, I pretty much got that idea down from the reading I've been doing on Linux.
Remember though, Linux isn't Windows and although there are similarities there are also a lot of differences that will take getting used to. You may find connecting to the internet difficult, so i also recommend using a Router to connect because Modems are one thing Linux is hard to work with.
I've got a router, so that's not much of a big deal.
I know that linux will take a bit of work to get used to, but so did using DOS, programming in BASIC, programming in SALT, etc etc etc. I enjoy having more raw power of the computer in my hands as opposed to less. Typing commands isn't a biggie since I'm a pretty decent typist, and I love a good challenge. I'm guessing that the most difficult part for me will be learning what the commands mean and how to use them. Anyone wanna help me when I get it up and running? ;)
sounds to me like you need to sit down and get some utilities available and scan the beast and see whats infected you machine.
It's been like this since day 1 of the install. There's also nothing like having to shut the damn thing off after doing a reboot just to get it working.