I'm frustrated with my experiences with Windows, so I'm hoping to find Linux as a sanctuary for "normal" computer uses.

My plans are to use my new computer, that I'm currently assembling, for both Windows (strictly for gaming and non-Linux programs) and Linux (everything else).

I'm thinking of splitting my 100GB hard drive 50/50 for the two OS's. Is dual-booting a bad idea?

My biggest concern is that Linux will not be able to use my hardware. (Namely a PCI wireless card)

I've heard/read that SUSE is a good, balanced distro. My hope is that it'll be easy to learn, yet be a good secure OS.

Any thoughts on either the particular distro or dual booting?

Dual boot is a great option. If you have concerns at first
you can always try a LiveCD version such as:
PCLinuxOS (this is my new favorite..works flawless on my laptop)
Puppy Linux (very small...lightweight distro ~50MB)
Knoppix (Full Linux distro, tons of programs)
I can't comment on Suse except to say I tried it back at 8.2
and somethings just never would work.
After you've played with the LiveCDs for a while they can
all be installed to the hard drive right along with windows (install windows first)
or you can go with Suse.
And you shouldn't have any problems with the wireless card. Linux
hardware detection and configuration has come a long way.

I have been trying to download an Openuse Linux for the longest time and I have been unsuccesful. I want to burn it to a disk to run a Live Disk bit I can't figure out which file to download among the numbers iso files. Can someone help me please.

There was no option for a LiveCD...hard drive install only.

This architecture supports the following processors:

* Intel Pentium 1-4, Celeron, 32bit Xeon
* AMD K6, Duron, Athlon, Athlon XP, Athlon MP, Sempron


Procedure for local installation

1. Download ISO images.
2. Burn ISO images to blank CD / DVD.
3. Boot your system with the first CD or with the DVD.
4. Install SuSE Linux OSS.
http://download.opensuse.org/distribution/...i386-GM-CD1.iso
http://download.opensuse.org/distribution/...i386-GM-CD2.iso
http://download.opensuse.org/distribution/...i386-GM-CD3.iso
http://download.opensuse.org/distribution/...i386-GM-CD4.iso
http://download.opensuse.org/distribution/...i386-GM-CD5.iso

I have been using it for a few months now and have enjoyed it. SUSE took a little time to get used to... especially installing certain things, but I like it. It has lots of extras... hence a long lengthy download.


Enjoy!

Rigel

a live cd iso is available in suse for 9.2 only. 10.0 has a live dvd. the 9.2 iso can be had here:

Suse 9.2