Method 2: The hard way
1. Make sure your Windows partition is defragmented and backup any important data.
2. Boot from the Ubuntu Desktop CD, double click on the Install icon on the desktop and follow the normal installation instructions. When you arrive at the Partitioning screen, select the option that let's you resize IDE1 master, partition #1 (hda1) and use the free space.
Note: Remember that IDE1 master, partition #1 (hda1) represents the First partition on the First hard drive.
The partitioner will ask you how much space you wish to distribute to Linux partition, just enter the desired amount of space (I recommend around 5-6 GB). Continue with the installation.
3. After the installation is over, reboot the machine and you will be able to select from Windows or Ubuntu at boot time.
"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus
thanks a lot for your help.
OK, here is what I have done. My XP has been suffering from the microsoft sickness where after a few years stuff just slows down unless your religiously delete, defrag, etc. So, I decided to forget the dual partition. I emailed what few files I needed off of the computer and just went for the wipe out the whole disk option.
So, that's all fine. Here is the issue, Ubuntu comes with certain open office programs, but not draw or math. I want both.
But the question is, what do I do? In windows you download a program to your desktop and click on it. Here I have two problems:
First, if I download the whole open office I risk it conflicting with what it already there. Openoffice website suggests that might be a problem. Also, it doesn't look like I can download just the math and draw.
Anwyay, here is the big problem: Linux is supposed to be user friendly. The install instructions are to unpack it in some directory and to execute some complicated line of code. Why can't I just clik on an icon? The masses will never convert to linux if you can't just click on an icon to install.