hello all,
I am new to linux and would like to begin using more and more of Linux (that I used in school). So I would like to make my (new) computer dual boot Linux with the existing XP that it came with..

My computer has SATA RAID-0 with Intel Chipset ICH6R, and since I have legacy software to use on Linux (from school days), I need to use RedHat 7.3 -8.X or 9.x . (Rather than the latest version from RedHat)

I would like be able to download a distribution with the
2.4.26-libata kernel (or later) and then I will apply the patch from Intel ( 2.4.26-libata-iswraid.patch ).

The interesting thing is that I cannot really rebuild the kernel since I have not installed Linux yet (when I try both RedHat 7.3 and 9 complain that there are no hard drives found).. Also I am a relative newbie to Linux ..

If there is a place to search for this sort of distribution, your reference to it would be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,
Albert

you might find this helpful:

http://www.linuxmafia.com/faq/Hardware/sata.html

Right I had read that, and that's precisely where I am stuck. The page indicates that it is possible to rebuild linux kernel to get it working with the raid configuration that I have and recommend
2.4.26-libata kernel (or later) plus the patch from Intel (2.4.26-libata-iswraid.patch )

All I have is windows XP running... is there a place to go to find a RedHat installer with 2.4.26-libata kernel (or later) plus the patch from Intel(2.4.26-libata-iswraid.patch ) ? That would solve my problem nicely

thanks again for your help and suggestions
-Albert