> >>is to just be able to get to a stage where I can use Linux for all of my
> >>regular computing needs (web development, email, IM'ing, playing mp3, and
> >>browsing)
> >>
> Okay I'm **way** behind in my emails but Tara if you still looking for 
> this check out the following.

Me too, same here:

> Web development. - bluefish(gnome),  Quanta (kde)
> Email  - Balsa, Mozilla

Ishmail, elm, and the kde mail thingy.

> IM - Jabber / Gabber, GnomeICQ, and Xchat
> mp3's - xmms

Ther'es more, I think, check freshmeat.net

For that matter, check freshmeat.net for ANYTHING you want (software-wise)
linux-related

rc