can i replace windows vista completely and install some sort of free OS?

Ubuntu is a Linux distribution. There are thousands upon thousands of Linux distributions out there, the majority of them are free but some of them need to be paid for.

Here is a good site to keep track of the majority of them: http://distrowatch.com/dwres.php?resource=major

Personally I use Ubuntu 10.10 (didn't like 11.04), and Ubuntu is free. It's one of the easiest to use, but not the most user friendly for a newcomer. However, if you are good with computers and don't mind learning, it shouldn't pose any problem.

My best tip is to choose one of the Distros listed on the webpage I gave you and start by learning more about them, try them out if you want, then eventually you can decide on which one better suits your needs and tastes.

Ubuntu and Linux Mint are the most user friendly and somewhat have a reasonable apearance. Without using the terminal you can make lots of changes right out of the box. Lots of needed software are included (LibreOffice, Brasero, Firefox, Banshee). The only downside to Linux is not all Windows programs work if your not into scripting and spending hours to find and complete the install process. Their is Wine and Crossover Linux, as well as Cedega which lets you run programs such as word and games faster then Windows can.

As long as you burnt the image to the DVD that is it, just put in the computer push whatever key the boot options key is and click CD/DVD and enter and just follow the given prompts.

What to expect:

http://cdn.stream.iamtherealnick.com/files/2011/02...

http://cdn.stream.iamtherealnick.com/files/2011/02...

P.S. Always click the 2 boxes to get the best experience.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_1QSDkzYY2vc/TWz...

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Yea Ubuntu is free, although you'll need to burn the install disk(if it uses one) on another computer just to be safe.

Linux Mint and Ubuntu are two nice Linux distros you can try.

Ubuntu is the best free one, otherwise save up and get windows 7.

You can get linux for free, yes - go to another computer and burn a bootable iso to a cd and tadaa

you can try opensolaris too .It is free ,easy ,new,and best for computer enthusiasts.

dont bother