Wiping WinXP and installing Linux

Hello,
I just joined today. I have a question about how I should go about updating certain things in my R51.
I greatly favor Linux over Windows-- I use the Linux distro MEPIS 8.5 in one desktop tower, and the Linux distro sidux in another desktop tower. I just bought an R51 (type 2895-AU3) Thinkpad a few days ago- this is my first laptop. While I wasn't given any OS disc(s), it came loaded with WinXP. Shortly after getting home with the R51, I looked up what updates are available for it from Lenovo. For WinXP, there are a number of them but when I changed the OS option to Linux, only 3 turned up, as I recall, for the HDD and for the CD-RW/DVD. I'm wondering if, while I still have WinXP installed, I should update the BIOS and various other things for WinXP and then wipe the WindowsXP and install MEPIS.
When I ran my MEPIS live CD in the R51 (and a Linux live CD doesn't install Linux, yet), I noticed that the boot info said the BIOS was outdated (and maybe it said it needs updating?) The BIOS is currently version 1.21 (1VET63WW) and is dated 21 Feb. 2005.
Are there so many Lenovo-supplied updates for WinXP because that OS needs them in order for that OS to be optimized for use today, while so few updates for Linux because things are basically OK for Linux (except for the three I found in my seach)?
So I'm asking:  Should I first do the Lenovo updates (BIOS, etc.) for WinXP, then wipe the WinXP and install MEPIS, doing later the Linux updates from Lenovo?
[A short while ago I read about some bad update bug offered in a Lenovo BIOS update for some unspecified ThinkPad. I of course want to avoid anything that makes my laptop unuseable.]
Thanks

If I'm not too late, Just install Ubuntu. Not sure if it's the only one or not, But it can be installed inside windows like an program. When it boots you will have the option to choose windows or ubuntu. Best way to install it is to load the iso with any image loaders (poweriso, magiciso, deamontools) It will install faster than a burned CD. Also disconnect from the internet before install. Or it will install from the internet which will be over 30mins long. Ubuntu is very easy to use.
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