Don't Know Where To Start With Linux

[NocturnalDominion]

I've become sick of Windows XP, and have recently decided to install Linux on the second partition of my hard-drive. I've looked at pictures of Mandriva and it sounds pretty good. My specs are as follows:

CPU: 3.00GHz, 3.00GHz
GFX: NVIDIA GeForce 8800GTS
RAM: 2.00GB

I also have two partitions on my hard-drive, and XP is installed on the first.

So guys - where should I start?

[techieMoe]

If you have two partitions set up on your drive already, the hard part is over. Just make sure your other partition (the one without XP) isn't formatted in any way. Leave it as blank space.

Provided your extra partition is at least 5GB, you should be able to then boot with the Mandriva install disc and the installer will recognize your free space, giving you the option to "Install using existing free space". It will also set up a bootloader so you can choose between Mandriva and XP at startup.

If it turns out you don't like Mandriva, there are ways to remove it without damaging your XP partition in the process. Just let us know if that happens and we can walk you through it.

[NocturnalDominion]

The second partition is formatted - can I undo this?

And also, if possible could you give me a quick guide as to downloading Linux, putting it on the disc, etc?

Thanks in advance.

[Oxygen]

When you install Mandrivia I think you'll get a tool of which to format with. Just pick that partition and reformat it. Doesn't make any difference.

[jweekley1]

Check distrowatch.com for downloads also there is a systemrescuecd that has a pretty good partitioning tool on it. Downloading and burning cd is that easy make sure you get the iso image and thats all you need.

[devils casper]

Just pick that partition and reformat it. Doesn't make any difference.

it makes a lot of difference. a lot of new users 'hose' Windows in this process.

The second partition is formatted - can I undo this?

execute diskmgmt.msc at Command Prompt. DIsk Management Tool window will pop up. select second partition and delete it.

And also, if possible could you give me a quick guide as to downloading Linux, putting it on the disc, etc?

check www.distrowatch.com. you will find download links of all distro there. download .iso image and select 'Burn Image to Disk' option in CD Burner package.
insert CD and start installation.

[Thrillhouse]

And also, if possible could you give me a quick guide as to downloading Linux, putting it on the disc, etc?

You can try following the instructions found on this thread.

[NocturnalDominion]

Thanks for all the help guys. I'll come back once I've installed.

[NocturnalDominion]

I downloaded a Mandriva One 2007 .iso file, loaded the image onto a DVD, and booted my PC up with the disc in - but there was no installing thing or no partitioning thing, just a lot of junk about no USB HDD drivers installed, and something about an A:/ drive.

[cheesecake42]

check your BIOS and make sure that you have your dvd-rom set as your primary boot device (sometimes, I have to make it the only bootable device). Also, make sure you actually burned the disc image and not just the .iso file. If you explore the cd in windows, there should be multiple files, not just one .iso file.