As you seem to want to replace broken Windows XP with a Linux distro, please allow me to suggest [http://www.zegeniestudios.net/ldc] that could help you select the right one according to your needs.

Most if not all distros allow you to download CD images that you can use.

You can do all this on one of the laptops that have connectivity.

Hope this helps, if not please get back with any further questions you might have.

OpenSUSE and Ubuntu are good choices (you can get LiveCD which can be used to install also) and unless you like a more colorful look you may prefer Gnome over KDE. Depending on your hardware specs you may even want to use a lighter desktop like XFCE.

I call BS on the Geeksquad. Take your computer to a reputable, Local, repair shop (never trust big box stores). There is absolutely no reason that XP can't connect to the internet, millions of people use it every day with all the latest updates.

As for Linux, you can order a CD, but that's beyond the scope of this forum. Use the links provided above for help if that is the route you want to go.

To tag on, please note that Linux is quite a bit more complicated than Windows, and just for ease of use you may want to get a second opinion from a more reliable source than take the plunge to linux.

I just wonder if GS made the claim so as to make a sale on new memory and OS installs.

True it can be daunting for a bit at minimum depending on experience, which is why it is not a bad idea to boot LiveCD on cd or usb to try it before installing. Also can partition for Linux and dual boot instead of wiping Windows and install Linux only.

I dual boot with openSUSE and WinXP on this computer.

I wouldn't install Windows 8 on an older machine. A lot of the UI changes are designed for a touchscreen and you probably won't enjoy using it on a computer that's more than 5 years old.