Linux help

[Thonger]

Hi,

I would like to try Linux and have done some reading on it and found Mandrake would be good for a begginer. I have just a few questions.

1. When I go to Downloaded it at Linux.ISO.org I have two choices i586 or PPC?

2. How am I going to go about installing this on what HD or partition. I have two hard drives C: has my Windows (xp pro) on it and D: has no OS. Both are formated by Fat32. I also have an E: partitioned from D. Can I Install Linux onto C: with Windows or will that wipe out windows if I do that. Or do I need to make another partition with like Partition magic or can Mandrake do that during installation?

3. How do you set up my interent connection with Linux or will it already be set up from Windows? Is there a Connection Wizard similar to windows.

Sorry for all the questions.

Thanks

[MaXimum SMOKE]

For an intel style machine ie, pentium, AMD K-6, or better you want the i586. Think I got you right... 2 Physical drives, C: is on 1 and D, E are on the second. If D, E, contain no data, it would be easier to let Mandrake have your second physical hard drive, the D,E, drive. Mandrake is capable of converting the space to EXT3, and Linux swap partitions. There is a wizard style setup for your internet connection, lan , dialup, etc. There is a Mandrake control panel, that will let you make system adjustments, also after the install.

[TMAN]

1.) you should actually have WAY more than two choices... you choose PPC if you have a mac and x86 if you don't (generally)

2.) Most unixes give you lots of options. you CAN install linux on FAT32 but that'll probably give your compy indigestion. Since you have an empty partition its best to install there and just reformat it to a native FS like ext3. I think I read somewhere that you can install linux in the windows directory but I heard this is not recomended.

3.) It's not really possible to "set up from windows" it's a bit trckier than that. I remember reading about someone dialing out with the windows dialer using wine but you generally have to set up the internet all over again. Most popular distros make things nice and windows like but a bit more automatic or at least friendly IMO.

[Thonger]

Don't worry about this thread anymore I have it all worked out now.


( installed and partitioned and all that)

[TMAN]

cool! congrats! what distro? what desktop? having fun yet?

[Thonger]

Mandrake 8.2 just checking stuff out(just finished seting up interent and other stuff.