mandrake and linux first-timer

[Werewolfdaddy]

Just successfully downloaded mandrake 8.2. I have the three cd's from the website. What I would like to do is set up a dual boot on my P4 with winders xp. My stats follow:
1.6a gig P4
850mv intel motherboard
256x2 samsung rambus
pny verto geforce 4 ti4600
soundblaster live 5.1 mp3+
realtek nic
aceex 56k flex hardware modem
many fans with a HP pavilion MX90 monitor and multimedia keyboard.
Logitec optical wheel mouse
60 gig IBM harddrive, can't remember the exact model.

I was thinking of using system commander or some other disk partition program, but I want to do this right.
I am ready to begin as of tomorrow. Any and all advice will be much appreciated. This is my first linux installation, so please be gentle.

[MaXimum SMOKE]

You've got a lot of different options. I like about 10 gig for a good full featured install with lots of spare data room. I'm still waiting to hear something (from anyone) on using lilo loader for a dual boot machine with ntfs partitions. I read an article that someone linked that claimed it didn't work, but then again the article was dated 2000. Linux is like a wine, just seems to get better with age. What are you shootin' for, a workstation type install?

[Werewolfdaddy]

I've never used linux before. I'm looking for a learning experience. I just don't want to destroy my machine in the process.

[MaXimum SMOKE]

Basically, you're looking for a workstation install. If you are going to use a third party loader, you wind up making linux partitions, and lilo goes on a linux partition, NOT the M.B.R Do you have unpartitioned space on that big drive? My advice to anyone is, if you want to tinker. Don't do it on your only machine, especially if it is a machine that you use for business! If it gives you any ideas, my basic installs involve a second hard drive for the linux install. On an IDE machine, they are cheap these days. A typical install you're going to have a /boot partition 50 meg is more than enough., mine are like 25 meg, and actually use about 8 of this. You are going to need a swap partition, about 300 meg or so. The only other you 'have ' to have is a / (root) partition for the rest of the file system. A root part, can use a couple of gigs on the install. The more , the better. If you choose to make an extra partiton with a nonstandard name, like downloads or something, you have the advantage of having a partition, that you don't have to reformat, if you change to a new Linux install later. I personally don't recommend working on a machine with XP on it, because I don't know what you 'could' do, that XP 'might' interpret as a 'machine' change. But many people have made somewhat similar installs. Not trying to scare you here, but things can happen. (frank enough?) Really my best suggestion, for anyone, that is not familiar with Linux, is to grab a basic book on it, before you start, and spend a couple of days at least and check it out. This OS changes rapidly and you really have to look at the publish date, and what it covers.

[Orcmonkey]

I would definately back up your windows partitions! Sure, you can do it safely, but it is risky the first few times you load linux. Even if you get it installed correctly, if you aren't cautious you can mess up the mbr among other things...

[Werewolfdaddy]

I have a new build on the horizon. I think I'll wait for a week or two before I try it.

[Gnerma]

Werewolfdaddy, it's refreshing to see an actual picture as an avatar. Thumbs up!

[Werewolfdaddy]

thank you,
I wanted to do something to scare everyone.

[Orcmonkey]