[lug] Install 'Linux' on a used (i.e. refurb/cheap) Pentium computer: need help/advice

[David L. Anselmi]

Paul Condon wrote:
> I think the read errors are on the hard disk. One that is particularly puzzling to me is
> grub-install hanging for a long time and then terminating with a message that it is unable to *read*
> the MBR. Why does it need to read it? Or does that question reveal the depth of my ignorance?

Perhaps to see where the first partition starts, so it knows what space is available to install the 
boot code?

Dave