I tried using both DVD and the CD-ROMs. As soon as it starts the install after selecting all the packages, it hangs on the status bar with no indication and no activitiy lights on the computer. The mouse moves but I waited at least 1/2 an hour and it just sits there.

This is a brand new computer with Windows XP Home and 1GB Ram, 80GB HD. I shrunk the XP partition to 15GB and nowtrying to install FC5 on the empty space. I created just to partitions swp and ext3.

Anyone have any ideas why this is happening? I am now downloading FC4 to see if I can install that version instead.

I guess Dell still doesnt care about Linux enough to test its hardware.

was this a typo?
you would need swap, boot and / partitions. why dont you go for a custom layout?

I thought the only required physical partitions you need are swap and an ext3 where all the directories including / and /boot go on. I was trying to keep it simple, but will try it. How big should /boot be?

ext3 is a filesystem type and not a partition.
go for a custom partition layout in the installation until you understand what each partition does, or is user for