I have downloaded Linux Debian off the web a few months ago and have just made some image disks with it on. In my download I received the OS and over 1000 Linux based programs as well. I have found a piece of software that will let me run windows programs on linux, by that I don't mean Microsoft Word I mean other programs that will run on windows.

My question to you all is should I create a dual boot system or should I get rid of XP completely and switch to Debian. Have this in mind when you are deciding: I would like to put it on a laptop that is 4 years old, built for XP, 1.2 Ghz Pentium Celeron processsor, 400+mb of ram. I just want to know whether my computer will suffer if i put two Operating Systems on it.

Your feedback will be greatly appreciated.