>>>I was told NOT to install Linux on a non-partitioned HDD. I dont know why that is important with Mandrake but in any case, after i heard that I figured I would not install it on my current HDD.<<<

Are you sure you don't mean you were told not to install Linux onto a partitioned hard drive?
Linux wants to make its own partitions; it wants unallocated or unpartitioned space. You don't install it onto Windows partitions.

If your forty gig. is getting full then yes you would want another hard drive for Mandrake, but like MrMan said, absolute minimum would be 2 gigs. Four to Six would be better, because once you see all the software that is available for Mandrake you're gonna want a lot of it.

Bye the way, Mandrake 9 is also FREE!!.

;)