getting started

brantmcc wrote:

What can an operating system do for me?
B

That's a pretty broad question, care to narrow it down a bit? As a free and open source operating system, Linux allows you to have complete control over your computer. Unlike closed source proprietary systems that only allow you to do what they program in.
The most important thing Linux does for me is keep me secure. I have no fear of viruses, trojans, malware etc., since the only way I could infect my machine is to give permission for it to happen.
I can use and modify the software I use as I please, I can share it and I can pass on changes that I have made to others.

If you have more specific questions, we'll be happy to answer them.

If you are going to dedicate the whole HD to linux, most distros have a one-click "Standard Installation" that will do all the partitioning for you. It will reformat the Hard Disk, set up partitions and do the installation for you.