switching distros without loosing data

[Doric]

Hey guys!
I have been using PCLinuxOS for a while now, but i am not very plased with it, so i decided to change the distro/os
I would like to know if it is possible to keep my home folder data. I could and will simply back it up by copying it to another partition or simply writeing it on dvdrw. but it would be a lot easier if i could use the same home tree i already have.
If something like that is possible i am also interested would my tbird accounts and email loud into new tbird automaticly, or would/could i load them afterwards.
I am not quite sure wich distro to install... my top choises are Fedora8, Ubuntu or FreeBSD

[budman7]

Installing a new distro will overwrite /home.
I have heard of people putting /home on a separate partition, but I have never tried this.
And i have no experience with tbird as I prefer gmail. Hopefully someone else will be able to help with that one.

[valemon]

If /home is in a separate partition you can choose not to format it during the installation of another distribution. In your home folder there is a folder named .thunderbird where your account settings and emails are stored. Copying this folder to your new distro home folder should do the trick

[Doric]

thanks guys!
I indeed have a separete home partition, so it won't be a problem... I'll cach up on you in a few days to tell you if it worked!