thanks for the info

i dont know allot about linux so ....i dont want to partition my hdd until i know enough to do that because i dont want to kill my laptop
and with knoppix i just wanted to try linux to see if i liked it......
and ya if i like it i may go down to the local pc shop and have them walk me through installing ubuntu and dual booting.....
also do know if there is a really good virtual pc program that will run on windows vista???
and also could i buy a 150 gb usb hdd and run ubuntu off of that and i just would have to change my bias boot system to boot from that?????