I didn't like ubuntu. I'd recommend Knoppix. If you want to try it before committing, you can run it off of your cd. Stick the cd in, turn the computer on, and it will run on Knoppix, assuming you have your bios set to boot from your cd drive. Also, you can recover files on your laptop this way, as you don't need to run Knoppix from your hard drive. I ran it on a Dell inspiron 8600 laptop and an emachines laptop with no problems.