OK, I have a brand new machine and I would like to install linux to it. I don't want to make extra partitions since it has a recovery partition the one I can format and use to set my distro up. The problem is that the partition is located before the other Windows XP partition and I remember reading somewhere you have to use a partition that is located after the windows partition (because of that obsession of little Bill of trying to dominate the world of computers and maybe later control our minds).

The question is: Can I install linux on that partition or should I make an extra partition?

Thanks in advance and hope you've understood me (English not 1st language).

You do need to give Linux it's own partition. Preferably a few. As far as where the partition is physically located on the drive it doesn't matter. Some people will argue that it does but it does not. Distro's like Slack, Gentoo which make YOU config EVERYTHING, yes you'll prob wan't to do it the way they tell you. But if Windows was installed first any Distro with a good installer will see that and config for it accordingly.

BTW: What are you planning to run?

To answer your added question, NO you cannot install on the Windows Partition (If thats what your asking).

I was thinking about Mandrake or SuSE but i'll take some time to decide it. And no, I actually meant that if i could use the partition windows is using for recovery.

I've tried both and like Mandrake, SuSe looks good too but I had alot of probs getting everything working, I don't think you can use the restore partition.

linux likes to use multiple partitions. Most default installers will create 3 partitions i.e. /boot /(root) and swap. If you use the recovery partition as one of your linux partitions you will not be able to recover XP if it crashes because the information will be erased. The downside to a recovery partition is if you ever need to reinstall XP then it will wipe out your linux installation.

So to answer your question, no you can not use the recovery partition. You need to resize the existing partition where XP is installed to create some free space for linux. And actually it doesn't matter which partition linux is installed vs windows. The only thing windows partition needs is to have its boot flag set.

I think what he means is can he delete the recovery partition and then install Linux in that space. If this is what you're asking, you should be able to, but I would recommend resizing XP and installing that way.