I'm relatively new to the linux world, but in the time I have used it, I have grown to adore it. I've noticed a bit of a problem on my inspiron though. There is a squeak from the Hard disk that is just barely audible rougly once every second or so. The computer didn't do this in XP home edition, or strangly enough when I am logged in as root. In fact the only time it does do it is when I am logged in as a standard user. While this is a mild annoyance (you don't notice it if the television or radio is on because it is so faint...) I am concerned that it may damage the harddrive in the longrun, and am curious what would cause it. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance.

squeking is definitely bad for the hard drive. While I don't know how to help you on the squeking you do need to figure it out.

I to notice it sometimes except mine is only every couple of minutes and its with certain kernels that are running. Like when i installed kernel 2.6.2 it did it but not with 2.6.3 . I have a Inspiron 2650 . Anytime I have a generic kernel it does it , so i think it has something to do with one of the modules that are in the IDE/atapi section cause with my kernel 2.6.3 i disengaged anything that didnt have to do with my laptop. So give that a shot.