IF i download a linux distribution will it automatically install. i want to download it on a laptop that is connected to the internet and install it on a computer that is NOT connected to the internet. is this possible? any feedback would be appreciated.

Hi,
Why couldn't it install ? Provided the unconnected computer hardware
is supported in Linux, there's no problem. You have to burn your cd
like an ISO image if not it won't be recognized at boot.

cheers

i guess what i mean is will linux install over my version of xp automatically. i want to save the download with out installing it. after the download is complete i would like to save it to a usb flash drive. will this be possible? or do i burn it to a cd-r as an iso image?

You download a file which ends with .iso. The usual thing to do then is to burn it to a cd - expanding the iso NOT burning the iso as it is. At this point, you have an install disk and can install it on or off-line.

First, which distro are you downloading??
Does it only have one CD image to be downloaded or has many???

If the USB flash drive has a capability of more than 700 MB then you can save it on that..but then I dont think it would be of use.
Better, You can burn it to a CD-R (ISO image) and then you can install in the computer that is not connected to the internet.
Remember to choose the appropriate option to burn the disk (in the Writer/Burning Software)

Make sure,(if you have Windows XP in that computer) , you have some free space (of around say min 6 GB) allocated for that. You can begin installing on that free space, the installation should be able to detect the presence of Windows XP (Say) and then you should not face any problems....
Also just check out the Hardware compatibilities..

thanks so much for the replies

But is your problem solved?....
Which distro are you using....let us know...or put up in your profile (update it!)

i want to download mandrake but i will wait until my pc is connected to the internet.