Confused Concerning Partitioning

[slipstream]

OK folks, I've been reading and trying the Linux Ubuntu download and am up to my ears in bumble bees. Feels like all these articles assume I have a slave 2nd HD, (I don't), or, that I have a Linux CD, I don't. Tried downloading from ubuntu.com and got the window that the program cannot be read and the DL stopped. Tried to DL direct to DVD and nothing happened.

Where do I start? I am running XP MCE. I have a 250 GB HD and have never partitioned before so am unsure how to proceed. For me, the articles here and elsewhere are unclear. I'll keep looking and wait to see if anyone here can steer me to an article that fits my situation.

[faulkner132]

The first step would be to get a successful download:
http://www.ubuntu.com/download
You want the i386 install CD (ISO format). You will have to use your burning software to create a CD from the image (ISO is a CD image).

After that, you will then need to make sure there is some unpartitioned space (30-50 GB should be plenty) on your hard drive. If you are unsure, check Disk Management in Windows (Right click My Computer > Manage > Disks and Storage > Disk Management) and it will tell you.
If you do not have "Unpartitioned Space" you will need to manipulate your partitions a bit. Personally, I have never done this, so try posting to the Drives and Storage forum for advice on this.

Once you have "Unpartitioned Space", simply boot to the CD you burned and follow the guide:
http://www.pcmech.com/show/os/903/
The steps are going to be exactly the same.

[slipstream]

Thanks Faulkner 132, I did get the download and will take your advice of posting some of my questions to the Drive Device forum. I have many questions.:p