[infra_red_dude]

i think using virtual machines is a good option in case the kids mess it up. its the easiest way to restore the system. thats the only reason i'm suggesting only a dual boot and other distros as VMs. you can haf one common swap for both the distros.

1GB of corz is the minimum. if you can, then get 2GB.

regarding linux and sata, all newer distros will support it fine. however, i haf seen some people experiencing some probs wid sata drives. i suggested ide coz all probs (if any) haf been ironed out and there is no question of any installation prob. you can be sure on that.

as far as nvidia 6200 is concerned it is fully supported in all the distros i've suggested and give quite good performace wid beryl/compiz. i suggested a plain via chipset mobo for keeping the cost less (not the mobo wid onboard via gfx). i'm not sure how well the newer AMD chipset mobos are supported on linux (i've seen some people facing probs wid ACPI).

when it comes to games, its the type of game and its requirements that matter. since i'm sure you won't be running UT or Doom any distro is just fine.

imho, opensuse is a more comprehensive distro than fedora.