Planing toinstall Mandrake Linux

[yeadon563]

I got a set of CBT Nuggets for Linux, so I 've decide to try Linux. I have a set of Mandrake 9.1 disk on order from some company,that cost me 3.99. I plan to dual boot with WinXP.

There are three hard drives on my system, C,D, and H. I was planning to use 3 gigs of my D:\ for the Linux install. My C:\ drive has my WinXp install. My D:\ has 9.3 gigs free on it. I just want a desktop system, nothing fancy.

Can I fit a linux install on a 3 gig partition? Should I use Partition Magic 8 to make a partition ahead of time? Or just let Mandrake do it for me?

Another thing that worries me is my videocard, it is a FX 5200. Will Mandrake support this card? I already know my Intel 2100 DSL modem prob won't work. When I learn Linux enough and get or find(ppl throw away good use computers these days) another computer to network with this one I have now.I'll make it a Linux only box, and then maybe I can use the internet on with a ethernet connection.


Any suggestion u can give me to make my install easier, please do. Also what packages can I exclude from my install? As I said I only need a desktop system or maybe a workstation.

tia
Yeadon563

[DanGrease]

I use Mandrake 9.1 myself and I recommend it a lot. As for suggestions, well before you install, if you are planning on dual booting it with a Windows OS, then you need to have the Windows installed before installing Linux, since or else it can give you some boot problems. Thats probably my suggestion I got for you, you will figure out that Mandrake is not that hard to handle, maybe it seems to at first, but after its really easy and enjoyable. The best thing to do is enjoying it and to learn, at least thats what I think

dan

[jkrohn]

Mandrake can use the FX 5200 eaisly.

As far as the Modem, as far as I can find it is unsupported. If it is supported however, mandrake will detect it on boot.

You really should consider an external modem though. They provide better performance than an internal modem and are much more flexible.

As for the install, 3 GB is PLENTY. You can eaisly exclude ALL of the servers as you will not use them. The install is very easy, and fairly self explanitory.

Jkrohn

[DanGrease]

Well, I guess if you are really looking for support the Red Hat has the most of all Linux distros IMO. And its also newbie friendly for beginners. Just an advice (although I really prefer Mandrake)

dan

[jkrohn]

Well, I guess if you are really looking for support the Red Hat has the most of all Linux distros IMO

Not really. Redhat tends to have more stable support, while Mandrake has more support but it may be unstable.

Jkrohn