I have recently purchased a used computer that has linux Fedora on it and I wish to put Ubuntu on it. the individual who had it before me did not give me the root password and I have no way of contacting him. My question is, how can I simply format the drive ? I have the proper install disks for Ubuntu but it does not give me the option of formatting the drive prior to install. I have searched google etc but when i try the command to fdisk at the command prompt i am told there is no such command. I know this is probably a very basic question for most of you but any responses would be appreciated.

you need to be as root to run fdisk or at least sudo(not sure)

You would also need to unmount(umount) the drive before you format it

man mkfs


Or if you have the install CD it will format the drive when you go to install the OS.

I do have the new install disks for ubuntu, but when it boots from the CD it just starts to install it over Fedora... without formatting the drive first. I do not get an option to format. thanks for the reply

that's weird... You could always boot with a live Cd to format the drive.. Then boot with your install CD