I managed to install slackware but when i restarted the computer as instructed I got the lilo screen alright with the option to select Dos or linux. I first decided to make sure windows was working so I chose dos. Instead of starting windows Compaq's automatic system restore program started asking me to restore my system. I didn't and restarted the computer again. This time when the lilo screen came up i selected linux. It booted up to a point then it asked me to insert my root disk. I did but it just didn,t continue.

I therefore restarted the PC again and chose dos and then I did the system restore as compaq suggested. After that windows is working but I do not get the lino screen again upon restart.

I actually have two hard disks. The slave is the one I am using for Linux and I chose to install lilo in the MBR. I now cannot start linux.

What can I do to resolve the 'animosity' between windows and linux on my PC?

It sounds like you need to read up on Compaq's automatic system resore utility and figure out how to disable it. That way when you start to windows it doesn't freak out and want to restore your mbr.