Hi. I have an old home computer I want to play with. How do I uninstall windows? I want to load Linux and I don't want both operating systems on it together. Windows XP came loaded on my 5 year old Compaq Presario. I lost my recovery disks, HP said it was obsolete and wouldn't give me a new copy. XP can't be bought now, and I don't think I can run Vista. I'm kinda mad too.

I'm a RPG programmer. Not a PC programmer. I'm a bit lost here and need step by step instructions. Anyone know where I can fine any? Thanks in advance, Kathy.

How much RAM? How big Hard Drive?

Many of the major distros of Linux come with format and install abilities so you don't need to uninstall XP. You need to check the BIOS to make sure that the computer will boot from the CD first.

Please also use better thread titles in future - when you post a thread, you are told to use titles that describe the problem you're having.

I don't have the software key for XP - although I should be entitled to a liscenced copy - my Compaq, HP said is obsolete and they won't help me. I lost my recovery disks. My son and his buddy changed out my motherboard, and then we found we ran into the software issue. It is 5 yrs. old but I sure can't afford to buy another anytime soon. I don't know the particulars, but I've upgraded just about everything on it except the monitor. Like I said, I'm a RPG programmer. Ask me anything about the IBM midranges and I can probably answer you, but I don't know squat about my PC. So I can't use Windows XP without the key, and it makes me mad that this situation will force me to upgrade both my PC and OS so I'm looking for alternatives. Are you a Unix pgmr? Can you recommend any books?

My apologies. That was my first post.

You can go to the distrowatch website http://distrowatch.com/ and get information on the different distributions to help decide which would be suitable for you. There are links to download when you decide which you want.