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[thicks56]

I built my first computer last year and it was good fun but im wondering where to go next,
Any suggestions on what is a good next logical step?

Few Idea's I've had so far are -

1. Installing a new operating system,
Not actually sure where to even start with this one. I'm currently lacking on space on my computer though so this may have to wait till I can purchase a new hard drive to fit.

2. Learn about programming,
I'm currently reading through a good website that has alot of good info on learning programming from scratch. Also figure some of what I learn here would making installing a new OS easier.

 

[MoodyBlues]

1. Installing a new operating system,
Not actually sure where to even start with this one. I'm currently lacking on space on my computer though so this may have to wait till I can purchase a new hard drive to fit.

Nope, no new drive needed. Linux. (Okay, regulars!, I KNOW, I KNOW! Now go away. ) Depending on how much space you do have, your choices are many. So you're going to install this new OS on the hard drive in the computer you built, correct? Do you know how much space the drive has (when it's empty)?

2. Learn about programming,
I'm currently reading through a good website that has alot of good info on learning programming from scratch.

See above.

Also figure some of what I learn here would making installing a new OS easier.

Perhaps, but with modern Linux distros they're completely installable with no special knowledge, just make your choices as laid out by the installer, point and click, and you're done.

When you do decide to go ahead with this project, let us know. We'll point you to Linux distributions best suited for you and your needs, plus help with things like partitioning your hard drive.

 

[thicks56]

I only have the following space left on my drives,

78Gb free on my 1Tb C drive
46Gb free on my 1Tb F drive
9.45Gb free on my 232Gb G drive

This was the only reasoning that I was planning on getting another 1Tb drive and partitioning some of it off for a linux install.

How much space does the average linux install take?

 

[MoodyBlues]

I only have the following space left on my drives,

78Gb free on my 1Tb C drive
46Gb free on my 1Tb F drive
9.45Gb free on my 232Gb G drive

I don't do windows, and haven't had any exposure to it in years now, so I'm not clear on this: are there two 1TB hard drives? Or are C and F partitions on the same drive?

This was the only reasoning that I was planning on getting another 1Tb drive and partitioning some of it off for a linux install.

How much space does the average linux install take?

Very little. Of course it varies depending on which distribution you're using. On my latest laptop, which has a 1TB drive, I allocated ~48GB to my root partition [which contains the OS], and it's ~20% used. (48GB was overkill, but whatever.)

 

[argedion]

When I set up my OpenSUSE I gave the system 30gigs which is also overkill but I am using about 15gig of it.The other partition I use that takes up space is my Swap partition I use about 130% of what I have for memory. This gives me a nice buffer with my swap file.

I would suggest that you use an external drive for you linux install if you plan to keep windows as your main OS on that system. You can simply boot up to the external and not have to mess with grub on your internal harddisk.there for not messing with the windows boot loader files at all.