I am getting ready to download and install the above noted O/S on a Compaq Presario desktop with win xp home currently on it. I note from research that if one desires to install Linux (Ubuntu specifically) on an external HDD it will require a formatting of the HDD with the resultant loss of all previous material on the drive. This would be my 1st choice of location for the install however i do NOT want to transfer (backup) or lose the material already on the drive. Is this also a limitation with Mint Julia? If i were to install it on the internal HDD would similar issues arise with the data already there? I note that there are many versions of Mint Julia 32bit/64bit/etc. Why would i want one version over another and what would be the most desirable version to download/install? thank you,truenorth