If you have someone on your Xmas/Xannuxah/Xwanzaa/Solstice shopping list who is interested in Linux but would need a bit of coaching, this may be the perfect time to head over to MicroCenter in St. Louis Park. There's a book there that covers installation and configuration of four different Linux distributions -- and includes all four of them, plus StarOffice, on two CDs. I gather their special installer program cuts a lot of the redundancy. I tried looking through the book and wasn't able to find an answer to what I think is the obvious question: "Which of these four should I install?" But if you're giving the gift, you can also give a recommendation. :-) How much, you ask? $5. How old is it, you ask? I forget. But it'll get somebody started. I don't recall the title, nor can I find it on the MicroCenter Web site, but it's pretty prominent in the book section of the store. They also have loads of 3-button mice in clearance -- throw one in as a stocking stuffer. Happy holi-- I mean Halloween. --Ben