[redoak]

I am about to partition and format a clean HD, with one partition reserved for Linux . The primary partition will be for XP Pro, SP2,for which I will use the NTFS (sp?) format. What format should I use for the Linux partition?

Also, where in the order of partitions should I put it. Besides the XP OS, the other two partitions will be for programs and data.
Further, may I leave the partition reserved for Linux blank and install a L. OS later?

I am new to Linux and partitioning, so, if my questions are 'silly,' that is the reason. I have 'read up' on partitioning and believe I can handle that chore.

I plan to give XP Pro 15 gigs, Linux 5 and split the remaining 20 between the other two. Does this appear to be a good arrangement?

[Squashman]

Installing Linux is no different then Windows. It will ask you to partition and format your drives during the install. Just leave some unpartitioned space to install Linux on. Install Linux last. Do all your windows stuff first. Install XP to an NTFS partition. If you want your Linux distro to access files that you use on Windows, then create a FAT32 partition to store data on.

[redoak]

Thanks for the response. I understand your clearly stated recommendations, despite my age and lack of experience.