I'd download a Ubuntu cd/dvd image and burn it.
Forget windows!! :)
Install ubuntu and use it instead of windows if you only use instant messaging, web browsing and web browser-based gaming. Ubuntu is safer, more secure and faster than windows will ever be. Ubuntu installs faster than windows. The simple installer simply splits the partition on your hard disk in half (50%) and installs itself on the freed space.
Ubuntu doesn't have any restrictions, is open source and free.
No product key, product activation or crap like it to install or use it.
Ubuntu's website, www.ubuntu.com has all the details about it and allows you to download a CD/DVD image, buy a CD/DVD or request a free CD, shipped to you free of charge.
Ubuntu details (from website):
Ubuntu Desktop Edition
With Ubuntu Desktop Edition you can surf the web, read email, create documents and spreadsheets, edit images and much more. Ubuntu has a fast and easy graphical installer right on the Desktop CD. On a typical computer the installation should take you less than 25 minutes.
Desktop simplicity
When you start your system for the first time you'll see a desktop that is clean and tidy, no desktop icons, and a default theme that is easy on the eye.
Ubuntu 'Just Works'
We've done all the hard work for you. Once Ubuntu is installed, all the basics are in place so that your system will be immediately usable.
A complete office productivity suite
OpenOffice contains a user interface and feature set that is similar to other office suites, and includes all the key desktop applications you need, such as:
Word processor - for anything from writing a quick letter to producing an entire book.
Spreadsheet - a tool to calculate, analyse, and present your data in numerical reports or charts.
Presentation - an easy, and powerful tool for creating effective multimedia presentations.
Edit and share files in other formats:
Easily open, edit and share files with your friends that have Microsoft Office, Word Perfect, KOffice or StarOffice.
Quick and easy updates
The task bar contains an update area where we'll notify you when there are updates available for your system, from simple security fixes to a complete version upgrade. The update facility enables you to keep your system up-to-date with just a few clicks of your mouse.
A vast library of free software
Need more software? Simply choose from thousands of software packages in the Ubuntu catalogue, all available to download and install at the click of a button. And it's all completely free!
Help and support:
You'll be able to find help using the desktop browser or online. If you have a question about using Ubuntu, you can bet someone else has already asked it. Our community has developed a range of documentation that may contain the answer to your question, or give you ideas about where to look.
This is also where you'll get access to free support from the Ubuntu community in the chat and mailing lists in many languages. Alternatively, you can purchase professional support from the Canonical Global Support Services Team, or local providers.
Ubuntu in your local language:
Ubuntu aims to be usable by as many people as possible, which is why we include the very best localisation and accessibility infrastructure that the free software community has to offer.
You can download Ubuntu, or request a free CD from Canonical.
System Requirements:
Ubuntu is available for PC, 64-Bit and Mac architectures. At least 256 MB (Actually 384 MB) of RAM is required to run the desktop install CD. Install requires at least 4 GB of disk space (says 2GB on Features page, wasn't updated to 4).
Ubuntu features (from clicking More features or Features on sidelinks):
OpenOffice - A complete productivity suite
Word Processor has everything you would expect from a modern, fully equipped word processor or desktop publisher. It's simple enough for a quick memo, powerful enough to create complete books with contents, diagrams, indexes, etc. You're free to concentrate on your message - while Word Processor makes it look great. The Wizards feature takes all the hassle out of producing standard documents such as letters, faxes, agendas, minutes, or carrying out more complex tasks such as mail merges.
Spreadsheet is the programme you've always wanted. Newcomers find it intuitive and easy to learn; professional data miners and number crunchers will appreciate the comprehensive range of advanced functions. Of course, you are free to use your old Microsoft Excel spreadsheets, or save your work in Excel format for sending to people who still use Microsoft products. If all they want to see is your results, then use Portable Document Format (.pdf) - no need to buy any extra software.
Presentation is an outstanding tool for creating effective multimedia presentations. Your presentations will stand out with 2D and 3D clip art, special effects, animation, and high-impact drawing tools. A complete range of views are supported: Drawing / Outline / Slides / Notes / Handouts to meet all the needs of presenters and audiences, plus an optional multi-pane view to put all the tools at your fingertips.
Integrated email and calendaring
Whether you need to simply check your email, create a calendar or search for a contact, Evolution can help you.
New features in Evolution 2.8.0 include vertical message panes. See your email the way you want it. Search Folders are saved intelligent searches which can display groups of email according to your specified criteria. Create Search Folders to combine mail from different mail accounts into a single view, quickly view all mail from your boss (or a particular friend).
Easy note-taking with Tomboy:
Tomboy is a desktop note-taking application. It is simple and easy-to-use, but with potential to help you organise the ideas and information you deal with every day. Tomboy relates notes and ideas together. Using a wiki-like linking system, organising ideas is as simple as typing a name.
Safe, easy and tabbed web browsing
Firefox 2.0 is a powerful, award-winning and standards compliant web browser. With tabbed browsing you'll be able to use one window to view all your web pages.
New features in 2.0 include inline spell check support in web forms, restore session that crashed, built in phishing detectors, better support for previewing and subscribing to web feeds, enhanced search engine management with built in OpenSearch support, and much more.
Easy editing and uploading of photos:
F-spot enables you to import your photos from your hard drive, camera (including PTP type), or iPod, and supports 16 common files types, including JPEG, GIF, TIFF, RAW. Your photos can be tagged for searching and grouping. Other features include fullscreen and slideshow modes.
Editing photos in F-Spot is a breeze. Easily rotate, crop, resize, and adjust red eye and other colour settings with a few simple clicks, and versioning ensures your originals are never altered. You can also enter descriptions of photos that are saved in the actual file so other people and programmes will be able to see them, whether they use F-Spot or not.
Music and videos:
Rhythmbox media player has a number of features that let you easily store, search and browse your music library and listen to internet radio. You can also view films, or videos, using Totem which features a play list, a full-screen mode, seek and volume controls and keyboard navigation.
You can download Ubuntu, or request a free CD (shipit.ubuntu.com) from Canonical.