look
i have an hp portable with a 60 gb drive
win xp is already installed and settled into my comp


i am now obtaining a copy of the Ubunutu version of Linux

i need help with learning how to partition and install linux
things like:
How do i format the partition
how do i install the copy (which will be on a standard 700mb cd)

im am somewhat completely lost on how to install it

you don't need to worry about these things, it's all very clear as part of the installation process itself, and you'll not risk making any changes at all until you make final confirmations.

Welcome to LQ!!

First, Windows XP is probably using the whole drive. This means you will need to re-size the Windows partition to make room for Linux. One tool that will do this is GParted. This comes on a stand-alone bootable CD. You will also find GParted and/or QTParted on any of the various "Live CD" versions of Linux. (Including Ubuntu if you are getting the LiveCD version---it comes both ways.)

Once you have re-sized the Windows partition to create empty space, then the Ubuntu installer will take care of everything else.

Before resizing, be sure to backup any important data. If the Windows partition has not been de-fragmented recently, then do that also before re-sizing.

Any Linux distro will have instructions for installing as soon as you boot the CD. Be sure to use "burn from iso" or equivalent when burning the CD from a downloaded image.

See also the "getting started" link below.