Hello,
I have an Acer Aspire 3680 which came with Vista. It is very slow and I would like to, if possible, install WInxp. But I am confused about a few things which make me hesitant to try.
here are a few of my questions:
-Does a dual boot system take up a lot of memory, as opposed to just having one signel operating system?
- is it possible to install XP over VIsta instead, and do I run a risk by doing so?
- I read something about repartitioning the hard drive before installing XP- how do I do this? Is it necessary?
- should I make a backup cd of my files beforehand?
- What XP drivers do I need to download?
- How would I even install xp? In other words, I need to do a cd boot, right? Im not sure how to do this.
I appreciate any help with this- especially step by step instructions. Thanks very much.

Why not upgrade the RAM?

XP or not -- you don't buy a sub $500 machine & expect to not have a catch. There is a reason the machine is that cheap to begin with.

"-Does a dual boot system take up a lot of memory, as opposed to just having one signel operating system?"

single, dual, triple boot does not have any impact on your memory usage. not to be confused with disk space usage.

"- is it possible to install XP over VIsta instead, and do I run a risk by doing so?"

no, but you can wipe the drive clean, discarding Vista and install windows XP

"- I read something about repartitioning the hard drive before installing XP- how do I do this? Is it necessary?"

not necessary but recommended. when you delete the original partition(s) you will see your total disk space as 'unpartitioned', now you can create one or more partitions to your likings by pressing C and entering the amount of disk space you wish to assign in megabytes.

"- should I make a backup cd of my files beforehand?"

absolutely, as all information on the hard disk drive will be erased in the process.

"- What XP drivers do I need to download?"

all the drivers you need for windows XP are available for download here:

http://support.acer-euro.com/driver...

"- How would I even install xp? In other words, I need to do a cd boot, right? Im not sure how to do this."

check the navigation bar at the left hand pane, click 'install guide'