need Linux troubleshooting on isle 7!

ok so i recently installed linux pendrive 2008 on my computer, (or should i say my pendrive) and then merged it into my computer useing some feature on the system. it works fine except that some drivers (like my wireless for one) dont work, and usability is a bit shaky. i was wondering is anyone knew of a linux system i can download, install on my computer and boot between my windows vista system( which is actualy the reason im even considering switching or even useing linux) and linux? my vista system is very unstable, hangs virtually every ten d@MM mins, and is in every shape, size and form..a piece of shite.and its only like the 6th time iv installed it! i dont wanna backtrack to xp, and the graphic usability of many linux systems is very lureing, so again i ask, anyone knew of a linux system i can download, install on my computer and boot between my windows vista system and linux?...and by install i mean placed on a partition on my hard drive..

thanks!

My favorite rescue system is System Rescue CD. I've never used ntfs-3g (which enables read/write access to MS Windows NTFS partitions) but it has it.

I've also used RIPLinux, the (R)ecovery (I)s (P)ossible Linux rescue system. It's much smaller, and doesn't have a fancy web site, but it also has ntfs-3g.

And there is also Finnix, which I have not used, but it's similar and it looks very good.

I don't know about actually installing any of them on the hard drive, though there is some information about installing them on a flash thumb drive.

I think many would recommend Puppy Linux in your situation. It's very popular and it has information about how to install it on a hard drive on the web site. I've never used it.

If you have the room, install the full-fledged Linux of your choice. I see you are here in the forum for Mandriva, which is an excellent choice. And of course, there is the ever popular, growing by leaps and bounds Ubuntu. Just pick one and go for it.