This installation guide only covers the most common steps of the installation process. If you plan on using Windows as well as GNU/Linux in dual-boot (meaning being able to access either OS on the same computer), please note that it is easier to install Windows before GNU/Linux. If Windows is already set up on your system, and you've never installed GNU/Linux before, DrakX –– Mandrakelinux's installation program –– will have to resize your Windows partition. This operation can be harmful to your data. Therefore, you must perform the following steps before proceeding:
you must run scandisk on your Windows computer. The resizing program can detect some obvious errors, but scandisk is better suited for this task;
For maximum data security, you should also run defrag on your partition. This further reduces the risk of data loss. This isn't mandatory, but it's highly recommended. Doing so will make the resizing process much faster and easier.
The ultimate insurance against problems is to always back up your data! Of course, you should back up your data on another computer, upload your back-ups on the web, on a friend's computer, etc. Do not back it up onto the computer on which you want to install GNU/Linux.
If neither scandisk nor defrag are installed within Windows, please refer to the Windows documentation for instructions on installing them.