Where have all the good guys gone

[aj]

I dont know how to use Linux or install it on a windows xp machine as a dual boot. Thats what I was referring to as not wanting to fuck it all up

OIC, simple misunderstanding

Dont wanna convert you to Linux, but most major distributions (openSuse, Ubuntu)
are aware of windows-users "wanting to try Linux" in dual-boot next to xp and
are well capable of handling everything full automatically, even the partition-resizing.

Actually you dont even have to install Linux to work with it. Ubuntu for
example is designed as a live-cd. In combination with a usb-stick for storing
your work-data there's nothing safer.