Hi
I've just started with Linux so if my questions appear stupid bear with me.
I've just downloaded Linux mint but I'm unsure how to proceed will I need to partition my hard drive and is the copy I've downloaded self booting or do I need to download a separate program . My PC currently runs XP Pro and would like to run both systems together

If you downloaded the ISO file, you need to burn it to a CD as an image. Don't just copy the file to a CD with Windows CD burner... Use a real program like Nero, CDBurnerXP, ImgBurn, or some other.

After that, you will need to reboot your computer, and choose to boot from the CD. Sometimes you need to push a key to get the option, sometimes a computer is set to automatically boot off a CD if it finds one.

I've never tried Mint, so I don't know if it runs as a live-CD or just goes straight to an installer. If it's a live-CD, it will allow you to preview the OS. Your hard-drive isn't touched by the preview... It runs completely from the CD. If you like it, there will be an installer somewhere on the desktop or in the menu.

When the installer runs, it will eventually give you an option to partition the hard-drive. Most Linux installers allow you to re-size existing Windows partitions. Be sure to backup any data you cannot afford to lose before you start installing... Sometimes things go wrong, and there is the chance that all the data on your hard-drive could be erased. Then, let the installer use the free space you created, and it will do the rest.

It should see Windows and create a boot option for it.

Let us know if you have any more questions.

The above is correct, and I will add that you should spend some time reading the documentation on their website (if any) to make sure you know what to do before attempting an installation.

You should understand partitioning before attempting it.

You should not only back up your data but I always recommend cleaning up and defragging that Windows partition before starting.

Here is a simple site I wrote about it, it has links to a md5sum checker for the iso in windows, and a ISO burner program for windows. Both programs are very good.

See here.

The links below might be useful---welcome!!

Hi
Thanks to all that replied.
Just to update you I've now installed Linux mint and busy setting up my email (Thunderbird and browser Firefox )
I appreciate that they are different versions than those I use on xp but I'm having problems with both .
How do I change my home page on Firefox.
and how do I enter my password during the set up for email client on Thunderbird Both these items elude me at present.
Once again thanks for the assistance

Edit--->Preferences--->Main

You enter your password when you actually log in to your e-mail. At that point, there's a box you can check to have it remembered.

Seeing as how LinuxMint is based on Ubuntu
here is a tutorial with screenshots
on installing Kunbuntu 8.04


http://www.howtoforge.com/the-perfec...buntu-8.04-lts

might help answer some of your questions

regards
floppy