Wanting to use linux

[schermozzel]

I am wanting to move to linux as i really really hate windows, it's annoying the hell out of me! Anyway, do you reccomend what distro i should use? I have tried the live cd's of knoppix and UBUNTU and I liked UBUNTU better. I'm also considering Fedora Core. I want a version that is for AMD64, that's easy to use and install [as i'm a complete noob] I mainly use internet, email, chat, AutoCAD, 3Dstudio Max, Photoshop. I realise that i'm probably going to have to have a dual boot system as I might need to keep windows to run the last 3 programmes [if i cant get them to work on an emulator] How do I partition my HD without erasing my stuff? Is there a free piece of software like partition magic? Is it a good idea to split it into 3 partitions one for files, one for windows and one for linux [so I can use the files on both OS's]? Sorry there's a lot I've asked there!

[ClearDistortion]

Alright, I believe I can answer a couple of questions for you. Based on my experience with linux, You should probably use either UBUNTU (I never have) or Mandrake Linux. I had Linux Redhat 9 and it was easy enough, but alot of shit wouldn't install right, and from what i've read, Mandrake Linux is alot more user-friendly. Also, if you are interested there is this new thing out that is like linux but it's got the feel and user-friendliness of Windows. It's called Linspire (Lindows) and the site is http://www.linspire.com/ so if you're willing to spend the money, you can get that. Same thing with Mandrake, you have to buy the software, but it's worth the price. Other than that, I can't help with your partitioning thing, I'm not comfortable with giving advice on that when I don't know much about it, but I can tell you this: I suggest you do partition it and do a dual boot so that you can use some of your programs like Photoshop, especially if you're a web site designer like me. Hope i've helped a little.