that really depends on the version of linux you get...search around, there are a few that are easy on us XP'ers...
how much ram is in the system?? prefer 256meg but will run on 128meg as long as no onboard video card is sharing some of the ram
don't as not worth it. the fact it only shows 900 & 1200mhz in the bios & 1200mhz is 30% above 900mhz & they say do about 10% oc. it is not worth it. my p4 is not oc & won't be either as it is a tool not a toy