Install Linux over W2K on second partition

[nazimm]

Completely new to Linux and basically I just want something more stable than W2K and less resources hungry..
Not too sure what distribution I will go for (Lindows 3?)

I have 40 Gig HD split in 2 NTFS partitions and W2K is on both partition so I get Dual Boot W2K (C Drive) or W2K (D Drive) (long story to explain this, safe to say that my PC crashed in a big waaaay).

The question is can I install Linux on the Second Partition (D) and thus overwrite W2K and then at Boot up I will have the 2 options, i.e Linux or W2K?

Thanks for the help!
Nazim

[DMR]

Delete your second partition entirely, leaving the space as free/unallocated. During the Linux install you will then be prompted to create your Linux partition(s) in that free space. The installation program will even create the partition(s) for you if you choose that option.

The installer will also ask you if you want to install a bootloader (lilo or Grub), and if you want that bootloader configured to boot both Linux and Windows. The process is pretty straightforward.

:)

[nazimm]

Thanks for this..it does sound nice and easy.....

I got the Mandrake 9.0 on 3 CD and I think I will give that one a bash and see how it works.

Nazim

[DMR]

I'd check Mandrake's Hardware Database (http://www.linux-mandrake.com/en/hardware.php3) to verify that your harddware is compatible before you install. If you have incomaptible/unsupported devices you could experience problems.

:)

BTW- turning off Plug-N-Play support in your BIOS might not be a bad idea also; BIOS PNP can cause IRQ/IO conflicts in Linux, which might interfere with the installer's abilty to correctly detect and configure devices such as network and sound cards.