How to reformat a hard disk?

How can I reformat my hard disk from vista to linux?

• I've had my PC for about a year, and it has come time to blow away my hard drive, an annual tradition. I have an Acer desktop, and it did not come with any startup disk when it came new. It made me make 6 cds of "restoration" data, and I have no idea what to do with them. I opened them up, and its just a bunch of random numbers. (I don't know much about computers) I tried starting with them, but it did nothing. What do I do to reformat the hard disk? Also, if I do accomplish this, how do I install the linux cd? Just put it in when I boot it?

• Answer:

  Burn a Linux CD or order one through the mail. Pop it in the restart the computer. If it's a live CD there should be an installer shortcut on the desktop, else select install from the menu. Follow the instructions until you reach the disk partitioning screen. Make sure you select the option that includes something like "reformat and use the entire disk" Click yes to all warnings and linux will delete windows and install. Keep in mind all those awesome windows apps don't work with linux. You may want to read about and look into a dualboot computer.