I have a Compaq Armada 7730MT which doesn't have the CD ROM, I use an external one. This is my first install on a laptop and I'm approaching it carefully. It has Win 98 on it, but I want a laptop running Linux. First step? It's been awhile and I really mean 'first step'! Besides approaching it carefully? The install disks are on CD. Great laptop site I was given is http://www.linux-laptop.net/ BTW. Keri