partitioning/dual boot

[Russell Simmons]

i am new to linux, and i want to try it out on my home pc, in a dual
boot setup...i have a w.d. hd with 3 partitions:  c-1.98 mb, d-1.99 mb,
and e-821 mb...what is the safest way to load linux on my system, (i
don't want to loose windoze just yet)...can i put it on d, or should i
repartion d & e into one...oh...my friend is giving me a cd of
mandrake/rh 6.0
any help/advice will be most appreciated

russell