Considering dual boot with linux

[Calum]

Hi
I currently have Windows XP pro but I'd like to try out Linux
Could you recommend a distribution for me that is easy to use and will work with my system?
I'm a complete linux newbie so I have no idea what I'm looking for
I'd like to be able to partition my drive during linux installation if that's possible, so I can dual boot it with Windows XP
I have a 100Gb HDD - how much space will I need for Linux?
Also, will all of my hardware work with linux?
Like I said, I'm a complete newbie, I have no idea about Linux
Hardware - AMD Turion 64 MT-37, 1Gb RAM, 100Gb HDD, ATi Mobility X1600, Creative Audigy 2 ZS Notebook, Sony DW-Q520A DVDRW, Freecom 250Gb external HDD, Logitech Pilot Optical Mouse, Corsair Flash Voyager 1Gb
Any advice and help would be appreciated, remember I have no real clue about it
Thanks

[GX1_Man]

I would start by downloading a few LiveCD distributions - Linspire, Slax, Ubuntu, etc. and see what works best. It will be slow as it runs from the CD, but nothing will be written to the hard drive at all. Safe for data.  

www.distrowatch.com for links to anything you would need.

[Calum]

Cool, thanks a lot