[newbie] compatibility? Mandriva 10.1 or 2006 w/ Inspiron 8600?

[Laura Callier]

Hi,   Totally new....thought about using linux and Mandriva a while back, but decided not to....have changed my mind.   Sorry for the totally newbie questions.   What is the difference between 10.1 and 2006...are they both complete systems? Is 2006 more up to date?   I think I need the 10.1?  I read about 2006 coming out, but i don't know if that is just a download.  I have dial up and would want to get cds in a box, so I think I want 10.1?  Can I upgrade to 2006 alittle later?   Right now I have a Dell Inspiron 8600 w/ 512 RAM, 40 g hard drive and Nvidia graphics.  it's slowly dying on me,  and I will probably have to get a new computer next year (a desktop).   Is 10.1 or 2006 compatible with my Dell?   Thanks, Laura