Alright Grizzly660, I have some of the best advice to you if you're not sure about a dual-boot Linux system.
[B]IT IS EASY![/B]
Don't be fooled by other people, just because they cannot figure out how to install Linux, doesn't mean you can't. TRUST ME.
I have been running a dual boot system for the last two years. I have run three different types of Linux, and I know EXACTLY which one you need.
[B]YOU NEED: Linux MANDRAKE version 7.X[/B]
The reason you need this: It's the BEST Linux for those who are new to Linux. It AUTO-DETECTS many things upon setup, and is VERY configurable!!! It comes with MANY MANY MANY tutorials and "Man Pages" (Manuals). My older version Mandrake 7.0 was setup customly (and it's not hard to do) just like a HAL9000 computer. It spoke to me all the time, looked like a Hal9000, etc... All my friends were jealous. It is SO EASY to get Mandrake 7.X to work on ANY system. The only bitch is setting up the hard drive partitions before installation.
One of the BEST things about linux, is that it saved my ASS many times. I kept important databases on my Windows 98 side, and when I get a virus on Win98, then what do you do? The ENTIRE boot sector of your HD is deleted: So, You can boot in Linux, copy your important windows files over to the Linux side of your computer, then in a Linux Terminal, you can manually re-type all of your boot sector of your WIN98 partitions (assuming you had printed copies available). Kewl eh?
Also, you can freely run websites off your Linux Partition, you can run FTPsites, file sharing, or if you want to REALLY undertake a REALLY DIFFICULT project, you can configure your Linux into a FIREWALL. The best part about Linux is that it's FREE! No $200 cost like WIndows, its FREE, and with all the forums regarding EVERY DIFFERENT version of Linux Mandrake, you are sure to find needed help. They even have Newbie forums (patrolled by the pro's & amatuers), where you can openly ask for help with ANYTHING.
I've tried Red-Hat, Red-Hat Deluxe, and other Linux platforms, but their problems: NO AUTODETECT, and SETUP is a PAIN IN THE ASS!!!
I hope this helps, Oh, did I also mention that Linux Mandrake is GREAT for HACKING??? IT IS! But I've NEVER HACKED ANYTHING IN MY LIFE. Right? [spank]
-inuhbad