Download the ISO images from Linux Mint's website, and burn it to a DVD or a flash drive and boot from it. Once it boots in a live session, on the desktop there is a icon named "Install Linux Mint" and click on it. Then follow the instructions and you'll be on your way to install Linux Mint.
from cd, dvd, or thumbdrive
You don't. All webcams that Linux Mint is capable of supporting have drivers installed by default. They are included in the kernel.
Format the hard drive, install another version of Windows, or a Linux distribution.
No, you do not have. There are some computer which can use vista only (dell and others). But you still can find drivers for such computers on different websites and install, for instance, linux.
The Dell Dimension 4550 did not come with any version of Linux.
Yes, you can. It is known as dual booting. Install Windows first, then any Linux distribution of choice - Ubuntu, Mint, Puppy, and so on) second. When installing the Linux OS, you will be offered either to wipe completely and use the whole hard-drive, install Linux alongside Windows (or the OS already installed), or Custom Install. To dual-boot, choose install alongside...
1. download and burn the setup media2. meanwhile backup your home directory (including the hidden folders)3. install Linux mint4. extract the backup to your home folderFurther to above:When installing Linux Mint from the CD (iso), the Ubuntu already on the hard-drive will be automatically detected. You will be asked whether to install Mint alongside Ubuntu, so creating a dual-boot, or use the entire hard-drive for Mint alone, so wiping Ubuntu off the hard-drive.If you do create a dual-boot system, on booting the computer you will have the choice on using either Mint or Ubuntu.
Linux Mint was created on 2006-08-27.
You can download Linux Mint here: www.linuxmint.com/download.php
Linux is not an operating system by itself. Just like you cannot install Windows you have to install Windows XP or Windows Vista. You can use the website in related links to find a list of active Linux Distributions. If I could recommend one I would recommend Linux Mint because it is easy to use.
The best Linux OS in customer reviews appears to be the Mint. Several reviewers recommend it as one of the best systems to install and use on your desktop.