First how to make a partition for the Linux to reside in?

Can someone explain to me the procedure on how to install Mandriva-Linux 2005 LE without burning it on to a CD (as I don't have a burner ). And also how to uninstall it when needed. I have Wndows 98 SE with a FAT32 partition. Is that part even possible?

BTW what is the link to the WinX Patch that allows you to play games on Linux?

Hello. In your shoes, I would make real efforts to get a burned copy of my chosen distro. The install process allows you to create partitions easily.

But can I install it without burning it onto a CD?

Thaks for the help so far.

Being a new user can be rather frustrating. We have all been there. Don't give up. In case you need some help I have a website dedicated to Mandriva with a concentration on making things as painless as posible. Linux is not too hard to learn. Its just very different. Once you learn some things and begin to see the simplicity of the logic you will be windows free in no time.

Here is a How-To for first time installers.

LinuxLoader.com

PDR60

I'm assuming I need to burn it onto CDs to be able to run it? I don't have a burner and I really want to get out of the mindless Windows trend. You have been all a great help to me.

Technically you could do a network install but that's a tough way to go for a first timer. I would either get a hold of someone with a broadband connection and download and burn them or buy them from some one like www.cheapbytes.com or www.spidertools.com. Either way its about 10 bucks or less for the 3 cd set. Or if you can't do that, go to my site and PM me with your address and I'll get you a set.

PDR60

Can you explain to me the network installl as that is the only available option for me.

So what do I need to get started?

First of all I hope you have a decent broadband connection, if you dont, then....... I cant help you .

If you do,
1. Go here
Or any other mandriva ftp site(w/ the correct branch).
2.download the network.img file
3.download the network_drivers.img file
4.then go here and download the rawrite.exe file(for dos) or rawwritewin.exe(for gui windows).
6.If you chose dos, then the command is
assuming the files are in the same directory you are executing the command from and the floppy label is A.

7.If windows, open rawwrite.exe, File->Open->network.img.
Follow the onscreen instructions
8. Repeat either of the above steps for the other img file(network_drivers).
9.Reboot your computer with the floppy in(the 'network.img' one).
10.Follow the onscreen instructions
You'd be asked to configure your network device.... after that choose some mirrors.... then installation should begin.

As PDR60 said, its a bit tough, but you could always come back here and people will be glad to help .

EDIT: You need to specify a mirror(w/ base hdlist) during installation, so it's better to write down one
eg. for ftp://gd.tuwien.ac.at/pub/linux/Mand...cial/2005/i586
name of the server would be ftp://gd.tuwien.ac.at and
Mandrakelinux directory would be /pub/linux/Mandrakelinux/official/2005/i586

NOTE: I gave the above mirror because it is the first one in the Mandriva list, you may choose another mirror based on its speed, but maintain the branch.

In your case I'd recommend you to order your copy e.g. at www.distrowatch.com. Definately easier -and maybe even faster - than a network install.

ftp://gd.tuwien.ac.at/pub/linux/Man...icial/2005/i586 and the link in the first step don't work. They ask me for a Username and Password (in a ugly windows box) other than that nothing loads.

Can you give me a different FTP site.

Never mind it works now. Thanks for the help. As the song "Goodbye windows, Hello Linux I think I'm gonna piss my pants"

You people are the best! Thanks for helping me out in my transition.

I went to installing it following your instructions and when they want me to insert the internet driver floppy disk i put in the one with Network_Drivers.img and it says something that they could not find ext2 on the disk and I need to insert the correct disc.

What should I do?

Just to make sure, you wrote the file to the floppy through rawrite/rawritewin program right(?), instead of copying the file and pasting it in A: drive.

Yes I used Rawrite for both floppies.