[Dark Maverik]

I've finally decided to run Linux, but the other users of the system don't want to change from WinXP. The 80 gig HDD already has 2 partitions (one 60 the other 20) and I want to install Mandrake onto the 20 gig one with minimal adjustments to the system. I'm happy to format that partition before installing Mandrake but I don't want to have to make any more partitions etc. What I want to know is how to install Mandrake (whatever version will suet best) and have the computer ask me at boot up which OS I want to load. That way it will be easier for myself and the other users to boot in our own OS. We don't use logins aside from the default XP one.

Can you please tell me how to do this from the step of where to obtain said version? The only Terminal Commands I know are the ones DOS uses so if I have to use terminal can you pleas explain in great detail.

I should also point out that I've never Dual Booted anything before.

[Whiteskin]

Just delete the partition leaving free space, and run the MDK installer. It should take over the free space, install a bootloader, and run.

[Dark Maverik]

Is it possible to do it without deleting the second patition? I'd rather not have to delete it is all.

[Whiteskin]

Leave it, but make sure it's empty. Other than that, just be sure to point the installer to the correct partition. An easy way to make sure is to ensure the two partitions have diffrent file systems (I.E. One with NTFS, the other FAT32).