I'm new to Linux, but want to learn more. I have 2 Toshiba Tecra M2-S730 and a Tecra M3-S336 notebook PC's that I'd thrown on the trash heap, and once I find some extra laptop hard drives, I plan to install Linux and possibly Windows XP as a dual boot option. I also have a couple 4gb jump drives to experiment as boot drives as well.

I'm pretty good on the Windows tech. Here's what I need to know. What will I need on the Linux end once I get my hard drives? How do device drivers work for Linux? Will I need to find them first, or does Linux have a system to handle them seemlessly?

The biggest question of all is which Linux to use? I'm leaning towards Ubuntu because of popularity, but what do you suggest for a beginner? I'm a beginner, but not a tech neophyte. I don't think I'll be tripped up too much, and I want a distro that I can keep. Don't suggest the "My First Linux" distro that I'll want to replace once I get a little knowledge.

What do you guys think?