[Zuki]

If I correctly understand what I have been reading that when you install a linux OS such as Fedora or a new hard disk the install will establish the partitions and will format the hard disk. If this is incorrect then how is this function accomplished.

The second part of the question is if you have Fedora installed on the hard disk does the install of another program like Debian reformat and repartition the hard disk so that the previous program is completely removed.

I am in the process to get into linux and have some knowledge but find other items not very clear.

Thanks for any help. It will be greatly appreciated.

[Whiteskin]

Fedora will help you set up partitions, however it's not like a windows installer where everything is automatic.

I'm not sure about the current state of the fedora installer, however it may have issues when trying to resize an NTFS partition, so back up your data.

The best way to do this is to use something like partition magic to slice down the size of your windows partition and then let Fedora take all the free space on the drive.

[Zuki]

The hard disk is not going to have anything on it except a Linux program. Matter of fact the computer will only have linux on it. No Dual booting or the like.

[codejockey]

In general, most major Linux distributions are careful to recognize existing partitions and previously installed operating systems, including configuring themselves to mount pre-existing partitions for you automatically (so, for example, you can login and see your Windoze partitions from Linux). Depending on the distribution, you may have the option to re-size your Windoze partition to make room for Linux, as well. If you have nothing else on your drive, all major distributions will take care of supplying a default partitioning for you (although you may prefer another configuration) and formatting the filesystem(s) for you.

Hope this helps.

[Whiteskin]

IF you don't want anything but linux (I.E. dropping windows totally), then use dos fdisk to delete all the windows partitions on the drive before starting your install. But, be warned: Back up your Data.

[NyahLevi]

I have done this several times. If you really just want linux then just put the first cd in the drive, set your bios to boot from the cd and go. Partitioning is a little tricky but basically just tell the installer to remove all partitions and install fedora 2. once you get past the partitioning, it's all downhill. You will be asked what you want to install in terms of programs, server works well. Then just feed disks until it's done. If you want, you can install everything on the disks, I did except on the older (p3 600) notebook and an even older(p2 350) desktop. You will lose everything on the hard drive, so as said aboe back up anything you want to keep. Nyah Levi

[Zuki]

Thanks for the answers. I thought that was what I was reading but was just not sure. Have wanted to try out linux but never have until now. Have built a computer from spare parts and the like that I can just use for linux and don't have to worry about dual boot.

Thanks again and you will assuridly hear from me again when I have questions. Have the Fedora FC2 downloaded since it was listed as being fairly ease to work with. Of coure the person who wrote that did not know about my capabilities or lack there......

[saikee]

My advice is to give Fedora C2 about 10Gb and a swap partition 2 to 3 times the size of the physical memory in the PC.

Every installable distro can help you partition the disk. The thing to remember is to have the unused area as unallocated so that you can load as many Linux you want. Alternatively partition the disk with 5 to 10Gb each and load the Linux in whenever you get them.

I have a 200Gb with 28 partitions. There are 15 Linux systems plus a XP inside. Any Linux will allow me to boot all of them.

If you go Linux you might as well try them all. There bound to be something you like. It is a different world booting one Linux and go into the desktop of another.