Very Computer

I've just upgraded from my cizy Web-tv to a real computer.  How do I
partition my hard drive so as to download Linux?

Also:
Any suggestions as to which distribution I should use?

I have a Compaq deskpro with a 133 chip (slow, I know, but its a start)

I tried to partition it with ms-dos but it says its already partitioned.
99% for the windows 95 (bundled with the unit)  and 1% for non-dos
diagnostic.  I have a 1.5 gig hard drive.

Can anyone please help me?

Doc

(please be kind.  I know I'm an idiot at this point, but I'm trying to
learn)

You are not an idiot.We all pass from beginner state
The 133 chip is slow for win9x, but for linux it is OK
However the disk size is a little small.I suggest you use it
only for linux.If however you want both linux and windows i suggest
1GB(linux) and 0.5 GB (win).I also suggest Corel linux OS
for a "windows like installation and gui style" or Mandrake 7.00
which is very easy to install too .Check their websites to decide

Both distributions allow you to "play" partitions during install
Mandrake is more flexible though

You can of course partition before installation
using fips.exe or partition magic or fdisk

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You can download Linux onto a Windows partition.  You would
be better off buying a distribution on a CD though.

Quote:>Also:
>Any suggestions as to which distribution I should use?

I like Slackware.  Others like Redhat.  There have been many
posts covering this subject in the past.  Try searching
http://www.deja.com for other responses.

Quote:>I have a Compaq deskpro with a 133 chip (slow, I know, but its a start)

>I tried to partition it with ms-dos but it says its already partitioned.
>99% for the windows 95 (bundled with the unit)  and 1% for non-dos
>diagnostic.  I have a 1.5 gig hard drive.

I just found out last week that some Compaq machines do not
have an onboard BIOS like most machines.  That is what is stored
on the non-DOS partition.

Basically, your choices are:

1. Install a second hard drive.

2. Repartition your current drive.  There are free and commercial
software that will allow you to do this if you don't want to start
from scratch.

3.  There are a couple of Linux distributions that will allow
you to install and run them from a DOS partition.

4.  Others that I can't think of.

--
Frank Hahn

Frisbeetarianism, n.:
        The belief that when you die, your soul goes up the on roof and
gets stuck.