I'm considering purchasing mandrake linux 9.1, but I do have a few of questions before making the plunge from Windoz.

(1) Does Mandrake 9.1 have the ability for the user to type & read Japanese characters (similar to Microsoft's IME)? Also, if this capability exists, is it available in all programs (i.e. Office and e-mail)?

(2) Are you able to install multiple languages of Mandrake (i.e. English and Japanese) on an English based PC?

(3) How long does it take for the novice user to install Mandrake in their PC (even if Windoz 98 exists)? Can this be installed on a single hard drive (I have a single drive of 60GB)?

Thanks!

I have seen LOTS of packages for japanese input/output and typing packages. And you can install multiple languages. But I've never actually used the japanese input packages, so i don't know how they work.

It usually takes about 15-20 minutes to install mandrake, if you have the space. It can be installed on a single hard drive; if you have free space on your windows partition, the installer will repartition for you, and make linux drives in the empty space. They recommend you backup first; I've never seen the Windows drive data damaged, but it could happen.

(1) Yes, install the Japanese language locale, and enable jserver module when boot

(2) Yes

(3) It really depends, but expect to play around with Mandrake for a week or so to get to know the system better.