Debian partitioning scheme == ubuntu's. Select a root partition and mount it, select a swap and if you require any extra partitions for /boot , /home or /var ,etc, partition them and mount them accordingly. Just don't select any of the Windows drives or any drive you have important backups as they might get formatted as well, don't take the risk of mounting them at install time! Instead you can just add them in /etc/fstab later on.
Good luck

Aye, I tried the manual partitioning as well, but whenever the installer tried to save the partitions and mount them, or when I tried to manually mount them, it gave an error saying that it could not mount that partition on that uuid... I just might try Ubuntu again though, I'll see how Debian goes, and download Ubuntu while I wait.

I quite like Ubuntu. And if you do not have requirements for your server, Ubuntu can really be a nice desktop operating system.
I do not know why those errors. May be as suggested, you could try not mounting partitions at install and use them later after installing is complete.
Another good about Ubuntu is that it gives a Live environment to use so that you know if all your hardware is supported out of the box.

PartedMagic...

If you download and burn a copy of PartedMagic or GpartedLive you can look at your existing partition table before you begin. There is a graphical display and, with the ROX terminal, the ability to use the command "fdisk-l" for a detailed listing.

I would advise you to explore the workings of any partitioning tool used to install a linux distribution. There will be options and settings available, but they're not always clear and easy to use. Remember, you can change anything, go back, annul, or end the installation at any time before you are warned that partitioning will start. Nothing will be changed on your partition.

You can begin with linux by installing a distribution, but for a beginner, it is often easier to download and burn a selection of live-cds to see what works on your system and what you like. Here is the live-cd list.

http://www.livecdlist.com/

If you still have problems installing linux, boot a live-cd, open a terminal, and with root privileges, type the command "fdisk -l" and post the results.

Well, it looks like I have a start... I've installed the Ubuntu netbook remix onto my HP 1030NR, and it runs well - without any working sound though. Will start hunting drivers down, methinks.
I appreciate all the help you all have given, and will endeavor to learn Linux so that I dont have to be a slave to Windows any longer.

Check alsamixer

If you really want to learn linux and don't mind putting in the effort then go for Slackware 12.2.

Try Linux Mint Gloria, it has both, 32 bit and 64 bit versions, and it's a delight to work with!