Removing Windows XP

To cut a long story short I have an old family PC which does not have any files on that I need any more and I want to install Ubuntu on it. 

I thought the best place to start would be by installing windows but when I go to command centre/ remove programs windows xp service pack 3 does not show up to remove.

How do I remove Windows XP without this and are there any other ways of just wiping the hard drive.

 

You don't need to uninstall windows. You can just install Ubuntu over any partitions Windows is using and they'll all be reformatted.

Thanks. 

Just boot up into Ubuntu using the live dvd/usb. It will give you the option to install along side Windows XP or to erase XP. I would install something like Linux Lite or Lubuntu as those will be easier to transition to.