i also posted in the newbie's section...same question...

i have a 20 GB HD (18.6 technically) and i am currently running windows ME. I have narrowed my linux choices down to lycoris and mandrake (i may test both of them before buying the retail boxed versions). i understand that i need to partition my hard drive...(i figure 11-12 GB for windows and 6-7 GB for Linux).

i also have come to know that mandrake 8.2 comes with its own partitioning software.

should i just get mandrake and use its partitioning software, or would it be better to partition before hand then use either mandrake or lycoris?

if i decided to test both after i had partitioned some space, how would i go about removing one distro and replace it with the other?

thanks...(any other suggestions for my linux journey are welcomed)

1st - search these forums - lots of info (and arguments) on partitioning, multi-booting, etc.
2nd - read Partition HOWTO - excellent reference on patrtioning - and the various multiboot HOWTOS (check them at the Linux Documentation project). BTW, the latter is an excellent source of Linux info for newbies. Another favorite resource is Running Linux, published by O'Reilley.

Personally, I've tried both ways (letting mandrake do the partitioning or partitioning first with PartitionMagic) and don't find much difference. Removing a distro after you've tested it could be done by just installing the new distro right over it - they generally ask you what partitions to install in (if the drive has already been partitioned), and overwrite the previous contents.

Good luck on your journey - it's a long but rewarding one.