Partitioning New Comp

[inzzane]

I've recently received my new laptop and need some advice partitioning.
My specs are:
Win 2K Pro
P4 3.06
1G RAM
60G HD

Plus I also have a 250G External that I almost always carry.

I ask because I want to try on my flippers and load linux.
I figure I need to check it out sooner or later.
I am working on some database projects so I'll need about 50G off the external reserved for that, but besides that I'm open to suggestions.
My primary uses for the laptop:
Games
.Net
Online Certification Training

My question, what would the best way to partition be and what program?

[inzzane]

?

[lreid]

i am not sure if you could load linux off of the ext drive. is it possible to format you internal fat 32 and dual boot 2 different os (win2k and linux)?

lreid

[inzzane]

Thats what I'd I'm looking to find out. I want to hook it up before I end up adding all the updates and patches to the system I'm already using.

If I cant run linux from the external, then whats the best way out now to easily partition a hard drive? and how much should I partition for linux?