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Linux doesn't refer to just one operating system, its many operating systems based around the linux kernel developed by Linus Torvalds in 1991. Before you may begin learning, using, and yes - loving, linux, you must first choose which Linux "distro" (distribution) you wish to use. For beginners, it is often said that Linux Mandrake (or MDK) is the simplest to use. However, if you feel your one of the chosen few with the computer knack, there is no reason you can't start with a less bloated distro (such as the almighty Debian). Links to these and more can be found on my links page or here at the official linux web site.
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Once you have decided which distro you wish to use, naturally you must obtain a copy. There are several methods available to you. Since Linux is developed under the GNU General Public License you will usually be able to obtain a copy free of charge.

FTP or HTTP: Those of you who have a high bandwidth connection (or are extremely patient) may choose to download your distro via ftp or http. With some distributions, such as Debian, you need not download the entire installation package. Refer to the documentation for the relevant procedures. For those of you with bandwidth AND CD Burners, you can goto www.linuxiso.org to obtain an ISO image of many different distros.

Purchasing CD's or Obtaining one from user groups: There are many sources available for purchasing Linux CD's. Rather than buying a book/cd package for a ghastly amount of money, you can alternatively only buy the CD's and use the howto's as your guide. Companies such as www.cheapbytes.com and www.linuxmall.com sell disk only packages of many distributions at reasonable prices. Also, linux users groups are a good place to not only meet other linux users, but are a good place to get a free copy (or $1 copy) of linux. You can find linux groups in the Yahoo! listing or in one of the databases such as LUG World Wide.
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