Hi all,
I am new to linux and want to learn it so that I can set up a personal web server, email server, and possibly, an ftp space for friends and family.
First, I need to make sure my hardware will all work. Motherboard is Asus A7N8X-Deluxe with AMD 2300+ cpu, 1 GB Corsair PC3200, Nvidia Geforce 5200. I will be using the motherboards onboard Silicon Image sata raid controller to hook up 2 Maxtor 40Gb drives and setting the controller to mirror. I also have 1 80Gb Maxtor on the Primary IDE controller as master and 1 Emprex DVD-RW as master on secondary IDE. The system currently runs WIN XP Home but I'd like to dual boot until I get familiar with Linux enough to run it alone. The computer connects to my lan via a Linksys 54Mbps wireless router although it is using 1 of the wired ports which is hooked to a motorola cable modem.
Like I said, I'd like to dual-boot, run the listed servers, and share files between it and the system I am on now. Can anyone advise me as to wether the listed hardware will be ok or maybe suggest the best way to go about getting it all loaded up?

TIA,
Gordon

Welcome to LQ!

Your rig looks fine to me and it will definitly run Linux without any trouble. In order to set up a Windows/Linux dual boot, you will need to resize your existing Windows partition. When Windows is installed, it typically occupries the entire hard drive(s). If you have a utility such as Partition Magic you can use that, or similarly you can use something like BootIT NG

Be sure to read up on a few Linux installation tutorials, just so you'll have a feel for what the process will be like. It's not hard, but if you haven't done it before, it might seem a little intimidating.

Alternatively, if you wanted to test the waters with Linux without installing anything to your hard drive, you can use a "Live CD" such as Knoppix Live CD's are basically self contained Linux distros that are on a CD. To use it, you just put it into your CD drive and reboot (you will need to confirm in BIOS that the CD drive is at the top of the boot sequence). You'll then be running Linux entirely off the CD, without writing anything to your hard drive. When you want to go back to Windows, just exit Knoppix, remove the CD, and reboot.

Good luck with it and have fun!

J.W.,
Thanks for the reply. I do have a few questions though. Although I have the sil sata set up as raid mirror, in Linux I see each drive separately. Will the mirror still work or will I need to use a software mirror when I set my partitions during the Red Hat setup process? Also, what is the best way to setup samba server for a windows share? And the final, when partitioning, should I set my server spaces on separate partitions for security sake since I will be requiring each family member to supply me a user name and password to log into their space for uploading? Anonymous logon will only allow basic browsing of the 'public' area of the ftp space and web stuff. I plan on using those areas for holding the items I will allow anyone to download without need of logging in - items such as fonts, recipes, and the like.

Again, thanks for the help. It is greatly appreciated

Gordon