My computer is running Vista. I keep all my data on outboard HD’s. If I install Linux, does that wipe out all my applications?
“If I install Linux, does that wipe out all my applications?”
If you do a clean install, yes.
There are two other options though, and one of them (#1) will not molest anything at all on your computer.
#1: DVD Tryout.
This is not really an install, but you can try out Linux Mint straight from the DVD to see what it will look like and how compatible it is with your computer. You simply boot from the DVD and run Linux from it instead of the install option.
It’s much slower than a real install, but like I said, you don’t have to worry about anything being wiped out.
#2 Dual boot.
You can install Linux on just part of your hard drive, and the installation will set up a start-up screen to allow you to go either into Windows or into Linux.
The biggest problem with this approach is figuring out how much disk space to give Linux and Windows. You’re essentially dividing your hard disk in half, but you get to choose how big each half is.