installing and using LInux on Apple Mac

I am considering using Linux. In the past, I have used an AppleMac version of Microsoft Office. When I purchased my laptop last year I did not buy and install a more recent version of Microsoft Office because of the expense. Instead, I installed iWorks. However, am somewhat disappointed with the programme. I'm prepared to accept that adapting to Linux will involve a steep learning curve. If anybody has experience of iWorks and Linux, I would be grateful for their views such as is it worth using LInux instead. Also, is it possible to workwith both Mac and Linux open?

Is it possible to install and use Linux? If so, what version should I install and use? I have a laptop Mac using OS X version 10.5.2. I have 2 GB 667 MHz memory.
I also have installed Windows XP in conjuction with Parallels used when necessary. It is rarely used to watch videos and games. It is my workhorse.

I have only today registered and this is my first posting.
Thanks in anticipation

I think you'd be best advised to scrap Office and Works and use "OpenOffice", unless you write lots of nasty VisualBasic macros all day, you're not going to find much (if anything) Open Office can't do that Office can, and in terms of ease of use, I find OO easier.