CDs

[urbanyon <urbanyon@urbanyon.com>]

can anyone recommend a reliable source for CDs, and also what i need to
order?  i have been struggling with a CD that i think may have been
modified, and am just having more trouble than i need.  i don't mind
buying one (hell, it's cheaper than m$), but i am a newbie and do not know
what i need to get.  a link to a site (vendor or individual) that you are
familiar with would be most appreciated.

OR...

i could also download to a windows machine (i have a decent 'net
connection), and burn a CD, but the CD image page was confusing to me.  if
i were to ftp enough files to get a box up and running (basically, i'm
having trouble getting my network card recognized and therefore cannot
apt-get any new stuff), what should i get?

thanks in advance...