Yeah I am really new to linux so..be gentle. I currently have a machine with debian 3.1...um half ass installed (failed with a few things no graphics interface at all...and some other crap) so I'm just wondering when I go to install SUSE 9.3 pro will it format the current crap on my HD for me or do I need to do that prior to installing SUSE...and if os HOW do I get ride of EVERYTHING currently on here. all I really have access to is a shell interface.

the suse setup screen will give you the opportunity to decide where it will be installed, here you can say whether you want to format everything or whatever. ive installed suse many times and its formatted by default every time. however i would really advise a different distribution. on your computer suse 9.3 would run like treacle on a cold day. this is assuming you use the default setup, and since youre new to linux you'll probably want to. kde will definitely run badly (if at all) so choose gnome instead when it asks, you stand a chance with that. also, id really recommend you stay with debian if possible, i used suse 9.3 for a few months as a linux newbie and then installed sarge and havent looked back. get a more user-friendly distro for the minute (thats lighter than suse), get to know the ropes and then have another try at debian. it really is worth it, and itll run on even the oldest of machines. as for the interim distro, im not sure whatd be the best option but im sure quite a few people here would have suggestions