I can recommend fuduntu, www.fuduntu.org FREE to all for all laptop users.

Yes, it is is based on linux, and you won't be able to use QQ as easily as in windows, but it will be far safer and easier for China, as well as a lot lighter and smoother running.

Hello San Mig
Checked out that link that you kindly offered. I will tell what a necessary criterion is for me when selecting a Linux Distro 'does it offer an inbox e-mail indicator in the top or bottom panel, like XP for example?' I put this scenario to you 'you are sitting back from the screen, having your ear nibbled by tasty student whilst watching Skyfall, James Bond...but you still want to be quietly informed should new e-mail arrive in your inbox; at the time it arrives, without a delay, which is the best third party softwares like Thunderbird can offer (they only check every so often) will Fuduntu do that; spiel on the link doesn't say it will or willn't? Cheers&beers.