[TriLUG] Convert to Linux

[Lewis Faulkner]

Please respond directly to e-mail address below. I have used MS Windows 
for several years, but am
now interested in cutting the apron strings and converting to Linux. I 
am a total novice to Linux, I have
read "Point and Click Linux", "Moving to Linux", and "Moving to Ubuntu 
Linux". They were informative.

I am terrified of jumping into,  for me, "uncharted" waters. My 
questions revolve  around loosing my
Windows programs and data. No big deal if Linux works as I hope. This is 
what I propose: purchase an
external 60, 80, 120 Gb, USB 2.0 hard drive, install Linux and "boot" 
from the external drive. Thereby saving
all my Windows stuff until I finally bite the bullet and convert all the 
way. This is my current hardware
configuration: Dell PC tower, Windows XP Professional, Windows 5.1 with 
service pack 2 (build 2600)
machine type AT/AT compatible, System BIOS Dell - 7, BIOS date 8/24/04, 
Processor type x86, Family 15,
Model 3, Stepping 4, Genuine Intel with 1 processor and physical memory 
512 Mb.

Drive C: fixed hard drive 80 Gb, drive D: DVD - ROM  DVD+/- R/W with 
MBR  partition  3215  Mb.,
Drive E: CD+/- R/W 568 Mb
Drive D: currently will "boot" the system with "Ubuntu/Kubuntu" disk 
installed.

Sorry,  for this longish note,  but before I go off on "hairy"  tangent, 
I wanted to see if this idea is workable.
Any suggestions  positive  or negative  will be appreciated.

-- 
Thanks,

Lewis Faulkner
1007 Wilshire Dr.
Cary, NC. 27511

Home Phone 919-467-9516
Cell Phone 919-630-6637
Faulk003 at nc.rr.com