Here is a very cool way to install a OS without the risk of messing up the one you already have. http://www.virtualbox.org/ (http://www.virtualbox.org/) They have a Windows and a Linux version.
Here is a screenshot of Windows 2000 pro running on my Linux computer.
<a href="http://grill.no-ip.org" target="_blank">(http://grill.no-ip.org/Share/XDesktop-Win2k.jpg)</a>
You can run Linux or another version of Windows on a Windows computer all at the same time. I find this program very handy to have. There is a plus to it too, its FREE! 8-)
I also recommend the Knoppix Live CD (http://www.knoppix.org/) or the FreeBSD live cd called Freesbie (http://www.freesbie.org/). Both live CDs can be used without affecting anything on the hard drive.
Sincerely,
Brendhan