hi..
i have both redhat linux(version3)and windows xp on my comp.
i would like to upgrade to the latest version of linux(preferably fedora) without losing xp.
how should i download the distribution.?should i download it directly on the cd or on the hard disk and then copy it onto the cd..?
please help..

You have to download it on youŕe HD
Burn it as a iso image 9660 file.
Do redhat has for instance K3b or something like that
Be sure before installing that new burned media is correct see shalsum or mdcheck or media check
So should be sure that you reinstall linux using the same space now occupied by redhat

Never take a chance --- do a B-A-C-K-U-P of your stuff --- all YOUR files/data that you have on Redhat as well as those on XP. Verify the backup-ed data before proceeding with install. A thing may go "wrong" in any install.

As long as you make sure you install new fedora in the same partition as the old linux your XP should be ok. Fedora will find out which operating systems you have on your drive and will install boot loader with necessary options. But as Isix suggested take the backup of stuff before proceeding :-)

ok thanks a lot..i will try now..

ok thanks a lotwhich is the best link tat is is safe to be downloaded from??

ok guys i got the link http://fedoraproject.org/en/get-fedora thanks again

sorry again i m confused!http://torrent.fedoraproject.org/ in this link there is a list of various versions of fedora!
one is Fedora 10 x86_64 Live which is 685Mb another is Fedora 10 x86_64 CDs which is 4.1Gb!!what is the difference? which should i download.?

Difference

The live-cd has a selection of packages suited for most installations, limited to the storage capacity of a CD. Additional packages can be obtained from Fedoras online repositories. The DVD or the many CDs have a larger selection of packages, including those for more special applications or hardware. Installing with a DVD may give you clearer choices and more control than with a live-cd, although both should give you the same result in the end.

Many users say that doing a new installation rather than an update results in fewer problems and a better result. Good luck with it.

so can i download the live cd onto the hard disk and then copy it on the cd and boot the system with the cd..?fedora should take over redhat..this wont make xp vanish..so once i install fedora then next time i use the system will the dual boot still be there??i just want to make sure about the right procedure bec i m doing it for the first time..thanku all for the wonderful help till now..

Where you are

I assume that you have an existing dual boot installation. You can download the live-cd, burn it as an ISO image file. boot it and then find and use the install option. Fedora should ask you or make a proposal as to where to format partitions for its installation. You should make sure that it is in the same place as your previous linux. You can use a copy of a Parted Magic or GParted live-cd to check your partitions graphicly or in a terminal use the command <fdisk -l>.

After you make an external copy of the files you want to save, you could start again as if the HDD space was unformatted and proceed with a dual boot installation as you have previously done. If things go well, GRUB will allow you arrange to chain load XP as before. If things do not go well you will need to have an XP installation or rescue disk to repair XPs loader. If you don't have one, you may be able to make one from your XP installation.

This forum or Google will give you more information about past successes and the usual problems in dual booting XP and linux.

First, remember to back everything up. Good Luck

ok..:-)thanku very much thorkelljarl,i shall first take a back up and follow the steps accordingly..lil nervous!hopefully everything goes smoothly..thanks again:-)

last doubt.!when should i put the cd..is it immediately after switchin on the cpu or after arriving at the screen on red hat linux where v enter our username and password.??tat is at the bottom there are options as:-
>Language>Session>Reboot>Shutdown
should i click on the reboot tab and then insert the cd or as soon as i switch on the cpu?!

I don't quite understand

When you start your computer it does a POST, with a beep and a black screen with white lettering giving basic information about the system, including how to enter the BIOS and what key may give you a one time boot. The BIOS will then search for an operating system on a CD drive or a HDD, or somewhere else, and attempt to boot it.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power-on_self-test
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Booting

You have burned a live-cd? If the CD is in the drive and the boot sequence of your bios is set for booting a CD before a HDD, or a one time boot key is used, the system will boot the CD. If your system is not running you can usually open the drive by inserting an unfolded paper clip in the small hole on the front of the drive. Otherwise, put it in the running system and reboot, which will stop the system then go through the POST sequence described above.

You might read a bit more about the basics of a PCs operation and its terminology. Google

You will need to put the CD in before you do a restart. That way it will boot to the CD immediately and you can begin the installation.