Linux for beginners

[DoctorTwoTurtleDoves]

As Windows are removing support for XP in April I've decided to install Linux and use that instead. I have a few questions though. Which Linux distro is the easiest to work with if you're used to XP? How easy are they to get to work straight after installation? Will my favourite security and privacy programs work with Linux?

I have a disc with Ubuntu 13.10 on. Do I just load it from that or is there more to it?

I am a complete novice at stuff like this so any help or advice would be gratefully received. Ta.

Linux will not feel quite the same as XP. Ubuntu is very popular and is a safe bet. I have always used Linux Mint and liked it.

You need to be careful with your data though. Linux installations can sit side by side with XP and you can choose (when powering on) which system to use - that way you keep your data and can compare the two systems. You can even run the system of CD for a bit to test it out (but it runs very slow and you can't save anything).

However, the best installation is a clean one that wipes XP and ALL YOUR DATA from the harddisk.

So make sure you back everything up as there is no way of getting it back. Documents, photos, music, bookmarks, etc, etc, etc.

A clean installation? How do I do that? Is there an option with Linux to do it or do I format the HD prior to installation? There isn't much to back up, the pc is only 4 months old, I chose XP for reliability and ease of use, I know it's obsolete so I must change. I see Linux as the best way, I just hope it's easy on me.

I don't see any need to wipe XP and install everything to a clean disk. Most Linux installers will allow you to partition your hard disk and you can keep a dual boot installation for as long as you want/need to. The only real advantage of a completely clean installation is not having an extra prompt to go through on boot to choose Windows or Linux.

If you have enough disk space and a yen to experiment/tinker there's no reason not to have a choice of Windows and 2 or 3 Linux installations, not to mention the various BSD flavours as well.