Here is the problem,

I have the Red Hat 9 CD I got from the book "Beginning Red Hat Linux 9". I put the CD in and the computer boots to it fine, the install screen comes up looking crystal clear asking what kind of install I'd like. Upon choosing the install I'd like, the install begins, but once the install splash screen goes away the text that follows is horribly chopped up and unreadable. I cannot for the life of me continue with the install because I can't read what is on the screen. I can see color, but the text is sliced and and garbled. I have chosen both the text, and graphic installs each time with and without trying the 'linux lowres' command.

Any pointers would be greatly appreciated as I'm trying to learn linux for use as a cheap but efficent alternative for the elementary school I work for.

Thanks in advance.

No bites yet? hmmm....

If you're refering to the kernel initialization message(the scrolling texts right after you press enter in redhat cd bootmenu) then maybe your monitor(or video card) somehow can't operate proper under standard vga mode(320x200 or something? can't remember)
try using either:
linux vga=788
linux vga=785
if this works then as a bonus you get to see little tux on the top left of your screen!
if it still doesn't work then maybe it has to do with the video card, try disabling video ram shadowing/caching in bios, or if possible try another different video card.