To install Linux, it should not be necessary to wipe the drive.

Most of the top distros now come in LiveCD versions. All you have to do is delete all the existing partitions and then create new ones as part of the Linux installation process. When running from LiveCD, there will be some sort of partitioning program available. You can also deleted exisitng partitions during install.

ditto the comments about Linux XP---not a good choice even if it is temporarily free. We all hope you won't form an opinion based on something that ranks #69 on Distrowatch....

Just my opinion:

It seems that the OP has very little computer knowledge. He/she was confused about a permanent install perhaps preventing him from installing some other OS in the future.

I don't think this person is ready for linux, and is bound to form a negative opinion regardless of which distro is chosen...

I take exception......This kind of thing is what some call a "self-fulfilling prophecy". The point being that--if you say you "can't do something" then, by golly, you can't.

In the vast majority of cases, people who claim that they would not be able to tackle some new challenge are really just saying the don't WANT to. And that's OK--it's just better to say it straight.

Based on my read of this thread, there is no question in my mind that OP can get up and running with Linux. Does he/she WANT to? no clue.

I would, however, like to have a word with the person who sold the machine to OP.......

What your saying makes sense. However, I think this is a (common) case were the person doesn't really realize that they have to "want to". People don't really have to want to use windows... they just do it. Linux requires more work. One might even say... "tackling a new challenge" ;) This is something I don't think the OP is interested in doing as they mentioned something about having to get some work done soon, or something to that effect if I remember correctly.

Well installing from a Live CD is about as easy as it gets. Whether you "want to" or not, in my experience, it just works. And, once installed, you have instant access to things like Open Office, spreadsheet, web browser, etc. The Word Processor in Open Office will even work immediately with Word documents. So there is absolutely no reason why Journeyer shouldn't be able to install Linux and become productive in very short order - assuming the machine has even a modicum of horsepower, disk and memory.

I would agree that the person who sold this computer was perhaps overselling it a little. I can only hope Journeyer got it at a reasonable price.

Yay! pixellany for the next president - I'd vote. Oh b0ll0cks, I can't I'm in the UK.

IMO, if the hardware is OK, then it's worth just getting a copy of one of the live distros (if the Journeyer is from a windows background, then I'd suggest Kubuntu rather than Ubuntu as the KDE desktop is more familiar - though that's not to turn this into a kde vs gnome thing).

Anyway, if the distro that happens to be on the system is a PITA, as has been already stated, it's no hardship to obtain a copy of one of the user friendly ones.

Hell, I'd think that any computer superstore would have Mandriva or maybe SuSE or something similar, or (again as already stated) theres plenty that is available for download - the (K)ubuntu is probably the easiest as theres a sh1tload of assistance out there and as it only comes on the 1 disc it's easily installable.

A copy of windows would probably have to be a retail version, so it's gonna cost! Plus I don't know if any of you have ever tried to install a windows version from scratch, it sucks - and takes a bloody long time (and IMO is rubbish).

It's my view that if Linux is good enough for the likes of the BBC, Amazon, Google, to name but a few, then it's bloody well good enough for me. All those corporate suckers who pay through the nose for their annual license are just "p1ssing it up against the wall". Home users often don't have a choice because of the software taliban and licencing nazis.

Well done Journeyer for finding LQ it's a damn fine place to come for assistance - and if anyone gives you an "RTFM" answer then report the b*****d, the mod's are good and more than happy to "jump down someones throat" for such ignorance. I hope the system was cheap - because when you finally getting it running, you just know how much of a bargain it really was and how much you'll be on the road to learning (Hey, I'm a trucker by profession and I've found that linux systems are the dogs b0ll0cks!)

regards

Bigjohn

It isn't always necessary to wipe the drive to do a complete install or even to re-install Linux. I feel that it is easier to begin the ownership experience of a used computer with as little baggage as possible. Try the live CD's and live DVDs as well. The main thing is that it is able to utilize all the hardware that you need and that you like the GUI and command shell that comes with the distro. "RPM" based distros are thought generally to be easier for newbies to use. However, Mepis is among one of the easiest and its APT-GET.

Remember the golden rule when dealing with machines: KISS = Keep It Simple Stupid !! I mean this in the kindest way.

Things have not improved
 

After reading your posts, I decided I really wanted to try Linux. Linux Xp home page said I could buy a registration key for 19.99. I put in the key and got this error:
java.net.UnknownHostException:ws.linux-online.ru
The computer can read a disk but cant execute any program. It simply sits at desktop asking for a key and refusing to do anything until it gets it. My comp is being held hostage. I paid the ransom and it still isnt funtioning. Tech support for the product isnt answering my emails. This is like a bad dream,lol.

I don't think that you should continue with linux xp, just put a livecd in the computer and reboot, then follow the installation

Have you really been reading the posts? Cause everybody's been telling you to get rid of that linux XP crap and get a real linux distribution instead... but you chose to give these people money... why???

Do you understand what a distribution is?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux_distribution

Yes, I am reading the posts
 

I have tried to boot Ubuntu iso from disk, would not boot. Comp loads linux xp, and asks for registration. Tried debian iso from cd, would not boot. same problem. So I decided ..fine, at least I can use the comp. if I pay the d**n extortion. Now it gives me the error mentioned in the previous post when I try to register. I came to this forum because I am new to anything but Windows OS. I am quite capable of following instructions to correct the problem, and I am describing the results and the symptoms to the best of my abilities. If my using this forum to try and work through these issues is boring or irritating LINUX GODS like Matty, just say so. I (in my ignorance) assumed the newbie forum @ www.linuxquestions.org would be the place to go. I really appreciate any assistance any of the "lesser" dieties on Mt. Linux would deign to impart. Here is the situation:
I have a cd containing the debian iso in the comp. I have managed to get to what I think is the command prompt. I have grub> on the screen. How do I give the command to boot from the disk?
Regards and humble genuflections,
Journeyer

go into the BIOS, BIOS is the screen where it says your manufactur, eg. DELL and press whatever button it says to enter setup or change boot order

I can understand your frustration--and I am also encouraged that you are interested in pursuing Linux. I think most people here have been genuinely been trying to help you.

The fact is that--early on--you were advised to drop LinuxXP. Thus there might be some frustration if it appeared you did not hear the message.

Have patience and--once you get over the hump--you will find Linux very rewarding. One little-know fact is that a complete Linux system--with mainstream applications--is usually much easier to set up than the similar functionality on Windows.

It's not about that, I'm just surprised (and admittedly slightly annoyed) that you chose to disregard the advice of everybody that was trying to help you and paid these people money.

You (and others too) come here for advice, do the exact opposite of what was suggested, and then lash back at anyone who dares show the slightest bit of annoyance...

Anyway, listen I'm truly sorry that you had to lose money out of this. Those jerks at Linux XP are ultimately to blame.

Like AceofSpades19 said, the problem is the boot order in the bios. It is booting you directly to the hard drive instead of booting from the cdrom. Follow his advice.

Not necessarily - see my earlier post.
I have two machines that ignore the BIOS order for CD boot. Finding out how to get the Toshi to do it is a PITA even with the user guide. If Journeyer does not have that for his/her machine, [s]he will have to scour the 'net looking for this info.