I’m basically looking for a Windows XP/Vista alternative….I don’t care about programming or running a server….I want basic applications like Mozilla Firefox 2.0, a mail program, image editor, etc….

I am thinking of dual-booting windows 7 32-bit and a linux distribution on my laptop.I need a distribution which will be as small as possible(I don’t care what applications it will have) and fast.Also,bear in mind that I am not an experienced linux user.