New to Linux - Install help required.

I run a P4-2.4,512ddr2700, 80g Maxtor partitioned as follows: C: Boot -w2kpro, D:bootable empty, with E:,F:,G:,H:, logical/extended partitions. I would like to use the empty D: to install and run Linux 8.2 or 9.1. When I go to do the install how do I select the second partition D: as the partition to install Linux? This partition is 23 gig so have lots of room for program/software/swap file etc. Should it be setup as a Linux partition, ext2 etc? It is presently formatted as NTSF as is the rest of the drive. I can re-format to fat 16/32 etc. but believe it should be set up as a Linux partition. Will the install CD for Linux do this? And what is the easiest/best way to setup the dual boot? I have read about Lilo, and other boot managers and they all seem to have good and not so good characteristics. As I said I am very new to Linux but would like to get away from GatesWorld. Any help would be greatly and gratefully appreciated. Please keep it fairly simple so I can follow and learn more. Thanks to all.

Yes,you can install Linux to D:.
You will have to pay close attention to the partitioning stage during installation so you choose the right partition.
From reading your post,it sounds like your wanting to use the 2nd primary partition D:.
In Linux it will be called hda2.So look for that when you get to the partitioning stage.It will ask you what format also:choose ext3 or Reiserfs as they are journaling filesystems that are very recovery-friendly.
Also,it may help more if you name the distribution(Redhat,Mandrake,etc) and not call it Linux 8.2 etc.
HTH
HB

Thanks for the reply halfbrain. I have 2 full versions of Mandrake 8.1 and 9.1. I tried to do the install using the 9.1 but got an error code saying it could not uncompress second stage ramdisk. The process then halted. I dl'd my 9.1 iso's and burnt them to cd's. Could this be a problem with a bad copy / burn with the first cd? The installer loads, finds usb devices, then the ramdisk error, followed by /usr/bin/runstall12 - fatal error in Stage1 - exec format error. Also, tried to install the 8.1, and it only shows one hard drive hda - no other partitions etc. Should I re-format the partition to ext2 first before doing the install again? Also, format says that cannot setup D: partition in FAT because the partition is too large - 24gig. Should I break this partition into smaller parts eg. xx gig for 9.1, x gig for swap, xx gig for programs? I would prefer to install the 9.1. More help would be appreciated. Thanks again for your information and insight.

frums

Should I be looking at using a boot manager or will the multiboot be set up by the 9.1 install?

Thanks

You should get the md5sums at the site you downloaded Mandrake from.Run the md5sum command to see if they match.A match =good download.
9.1 will set up the bootloader for you.When asked,put it in the MBR.
HB
ps. do a search for md5summer if you dont have the md5sum program.It's a windows md5sum calculator.