Confused state of mind partitions etc...

[ninadb]

Hi
I am not really a newbie. I have tried 3 or 4 tiny Linux distros UMSDOS based and currently am working on mulinux.
My PC config is
P100 16mb RAM 32X CDROM.
4.3G HDD, 1.44FDD 14.4kbps internal modem.
My Hard disk is partitioned as C: drive and
extended partition drive D:
2.1G and 2.2G respectively.
When I tried the tiny distros the boot messages list the hard disk as hda1 <hda5>

I am really interested in trying out a major Linux distro. I have a Debian 2.2 CD readily available with me. I cannot upgrade my Pc atleast till next year due to monetary constraints.
My C: drive contains Win95 and Office 97 which I regularly use. My d: drive contains all other stuff like Mp3 collection other free software etc.

I am confused as to whether I will be able to install a major Linux distro on a 4.3G HDD or will have to wait for a year when I upgrade my Pc with more space. I need Windows 95 and my regular used Win based software.
Note: I might be able to spare some money in Buying Redhat or Mandrake but this is secondary anf if resources are available.

Kindly help me in this regard. Is there a non-destructive way of doing so.

:confused: :confused: :confused:

[ansivirus]

You can try partition magic to create 2 more partitions from your freespace 1 Linux native and 1 linux swap. But to answer your question yes a major linux distro can install on a 4.3 gb hd.. in fact i have a p200 with 1.25 GB hd running Debian..

-ansiVirus

[ninadb]

Hi
Thanx, I believe Partition Magic is not freeware. Can anyone give me the link for
Partition magic or any other partitioning program.

What about the extended partition which I have. Do I move all the programs to my C: drive and delete the partition and repart with a partitioning program?

I want to use 4.3G for Windows and stuff may be VB 5.0 and a major Linux Distro. Can it be done.?

[CP]

I am currently running RH6.1 on a 1GB partition with a 100MB swap partition. You should have absolutely no trouble installing, but I think that X will be a little painful, so if I was you I would try to get someone to send me a CD with vectorlinux on it. It is a tiny install and is optimized for low end pentiums. But I used RH6.1 on a 486 for about 6 months so I know it can be done, but it is painful