Hi all,
I have mandrake 9.2 and winxp on my laptop. I dropped it and part of the harddrive isn't working anymore. Here is the problem:

1. I have an external cd burner (connection USB). I want to burn my stuff on a CD but I am not able to because I don't have a software that does that. What program do you recommend for data burning? and how do I install it? I found a file that is xxx.tar.gz (i think) where do I go from there? Also, when mandrake 9.2 was installed on my harddrive, I didn't do it, a friend did, so I don't have gcc or any kind of C/C++ compiler... do I need that before I install a software for burning cd's????

2. I know this might sound dumb, but what is the difference between a download binary and download source????

3. I bought a new harddrive and I would like to install mandrake and winxp again. How do I setup a swap section? I don't have it now..... but I read about it somewhere but without explanation on how to do it!!!!!

Any help or suggestions will be greatly appretiated....

thanks
v333k

1) all the software you need for compiling, burning cd's (music or data) are on the installation cd's. If you don't have the cd's (and you friend does), find out how much of a friend he is and ask him to install them for you. If he won't, it's all available on the internet, free except for your time to d/l and install.
2) a binary package runs 'out of the box' when you install it, no compile necessary. a source package is source code which must be converted to object code (read binary) by compiling the source code.
3) you will have to divide your new hard disk into at least three partitions; one for xp; one mandrake; and one for swap. You might be able to boot mandrake from the install cd and use the partition tools provided by mandrake to create the three partitions. I don't know; I've never tried it. after partitioning the drive, install xp first, then linux. Mandrake should check to be sure you have a linux and swap partition to install into.

for more info, check the mandrake website, and google up a copy of the Linux Partition HOWTO.

thanks! You have been very informative. At least I can look right now for ones that are binary downloads. Thanks also for letting me know about the swap part.

sincerely,

v333k