Installing a new OS question?

Yes. Backup your stuff to your second partition, assuming there is enough room, then upgrade (not a clean install, but an upgrade) your vista to win7 then install linux in win7 it will setup a dual boot option for your computer and it's easier than trying to install linux outside of the operating system.

I would not recommend trying to install two Operating Systems on one partition. It would be much more beneficial to back up all of your information, buy or format a new Hard Drive/same HDD and re--partition it have as many as you need. Then if you so desire, install a single OS on each partition.

Windows 7 will probably wipe the entire hdd (both partitions) for a new install. I don't know what it would do for and upgrade.

If u use the ubuntu form of Linux then u may be able to install ubuntu that way without deleting data as long as u select the install alongside other os option during the install.

yes , it will be safe if u r removing Vista as u can not install both Win 7 and Win Vista in the same partition

you have lots of thoughts. in case you're a conformist, you may purchase a DVD-rom from Newegg and which will qualify you for a coupon OEM version of abode windows. regardless of if, on yet another computer that has an OS put in, you may get Ubuntu, Fedora, or yet another style of Linux thoroughly loose. finally, in case you prefer to run right now off the CD/DVD, get carry of Knoppix. the full OS is decompressed from the CD in realtime, so which you will stay boot immediately from the CD.

you will find it very tricky installing two os on same drive. not sure why. but good luck.