I have a PC with the following config:
* Drive 1 (C) - IDE - not used but accessible
* Drive 2 (D) - SATA - Windows XP Pro, programs, data
* Drive 3 (E) - SATA - Windows backup of Drive 2.
* DVD/CD Drive (F)
RAID is available but not active.
* 1 Gb RAM

Some time ago I tried to install Redhat and screwed up my whole system requiring a total rebuild - took days !!!!!!!
I could not boot to Windows, could not get past Linus loading, could not access any drives !!!!

My question is.... can I install Linux (which product ???) without risking loss of my Windows XP on Drive 2.
Do I need to redefine my hard drives;
Do I need to reinstall Windows XP on Drive 1 (C)?
Does Linux install to SATA drives - perhaps I could install Linux on Drive 3 (E) - OR I could move XP to Drive C and place Linux on Drive D,

I need to keep Win XP because other members of my family rely on it for their work and study.

Sound advice will be greatly appreciated and most welcomed.

Andrew.

There's some information about SATA support here.

John

jkobrien; JK lad, thank you for heads up on that site. hy thats a good one it is! very much thanks to you!