So a friend suggested I try this OS because I'm having problems catching onto Slackware, but I am having my own set of problems here. I completed the installation without any problems that I know of, but when I try and boot the OS it loads into blackness and I think the keyboard is disablied at this point, or just not loaded, because i can't use ctrl+alt+del to restart the computer.

My specs are

Nvidia NF7-S Mother board
generic dvd burner
Sapphire Radeon 9600 pro 128mb
512mb RAM
20gb ATA HD
Creative Sound Blaster, Audigy Pro(or something like that)

I think thats everything...If there is something I missed just ask.

I forgot to mention that my network isn't working either, if there is a tatorial or something that would be great

What version of Mandriva are you installing ?
Is your keyboard a PS2, USB or wireless keyboard ?
Are you connecting to the network via an Ethernet net card ?

Set the video resolution to the lowest resolution and VESA when you first install Mandriva. You can go back later and reset it after you get a display.
If using a PS2 keyboard, choose the universial 104 or 105 keyboard during the install also choose the universial mouse when first installing.
Once you get a workable keyboard and video, post back for help on the network connection with all the details.

It's Mandriva 2007 Free
It's PS2
And I'm connected to a router via a ethernet cable.

I'll try and minimize the video settings.
Thanks

So I got it to load, i just stopped it from loading a GUI which is fine by me since i'm used to slackware anyways.

I don't think my network is working properly yet, but I don't have time to play around.

Merry Christmas =)