I am looking to start getting into Linux. However, right now I have Win XP Home and would like to keep it if Linux and I don't really get along. First off, I would like to format my C Drive where XP is located and then partition it to do a Dual Boot of Xp and Linux. Second, how do I go about formatting my C Drive so I can accomplish this? Thanks for any and all help in advance.

first of all you do need to format the disk. if you want linux on a separate partition then resize the XP partition and make space for linux. to learn and feel linux you can use "dragon linux" (there are more, but this will do) which will reside inside XP partition. if you want detail how-to then give details of your system. best wishes. ash

Use Partition Magic to resize your XP and create another partiton for Linux. Then, boot up Linux using the first CD and tell it where you want it to install, second partition. Linux then will format that partition to ext3 and install it for you. During the installltion process, it will give you an option to either use grub, lilo, or boot from floppy disk. You want to use either grub or lilo to handle dual boot so you can boot either XP or Linux at the start up. For more info about grub and lilo, go to www.tldp.org and download the mini-HOWTO... Lawrence

Will I be using Partition Magic to help format my HD or is it just used to help install Linux as well? How do I about formatting my C Drive? I have tried before and have kept getting error messages saying to make sure that all folders are closed and such. What should I do? Thanks again for any help.