I am frantically backing up files (read: burning movies onto CD) to clear off my extra 20 gig hard drive. My goal: to install Linux and dual-boot it with it and Windows XP.

After mentioning in a previous post that I plan on installing Gentoo Linux, my friend Mike D. wrote in to say that he thinks I'm too dumb to accomplish this. Actually, he didn't say anything disparaging about my intelligence. He did, however, suggest that I start with RedHat Linux, which is well known for its user-friendliness and no-brainer installation process.

That may very well be a good idea, Mike. But as a direct response to your suggestion, I am now stubbornly determined to install Gentoo. Besides, its logo is way cooler than RedHat's.

My goals are in this order:

• get GenToo installed and working with my hardware
  
• get an MP3 player running (very important)
  
• install Mozilla and get to Blogger.com
  
• get some FTP client running (for uploading images)
  
• and back to wasting my time in order to waste yours.

The straight-jimmy is that if you don't hear from me for a few days, it means that I am struggling to get myself back online using the new platform. I will, of course, return eventually: either a geek triumphant or a deflated newbie begging for assistance from passing strangers.