Linux Box

I have a laptop that currently has Windows 7 installed.
I want to install Linux on the computer as well, and have the choice to boot into either of them.
How can I do this? Please elaborate on the formatting/partitions part, as this seems to be very unclear anywhere I have looked.

I thoroughly recommend Linux Mint Debian Edition Its easy to install and easy to use plus it comes with much of the software you are likely to need preinstalled

Linux Mint Debian Edition Download

http://www.linuxmint.com/edition.php?id=88

How To Dual Boot Linux Mint Debian Edition and Windows 7
http://www.linuxbsdos.com/2011/04/23/how-to-dual-boot-linux-mint-debian-edition-and-windows-7/

You download the ISO. image of Linux Mint Debian Edition then you need to create a Bootable LiveDVD
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/BurningIsoHowto

Linux Mint Debian Edition can also be run straight from the LiveDVD from Boot without touching your Hard Drive

LUg.

I have a Dak Tech computer with Intel Pentium 4,Ubuntu Studio 11.04,and Linux For Creative Humans.I forgot my user account user name and password.I need to know how I can bypass it or get new name and password so I can use my computer.

If you see a GRUB boot menu, scroll down to the recovery mode option, press ‘e’, change ‘ro’ to ‘rw’ and add ‘init=/bin/bash’ to the kernel line. It should drop you to a root shell. From here, type in ‘passwd accountname’. You will be prompted to enter a new password, and to confirm it. Afterwards, type in reboot.

If you don’t see a menu, hold down Shift as soon as your BIOS splash / POST screen disappears. This should make the boot menu appear. if it still doesn’t work, try pressing Esc.

Note that if you have encrypted your home directory, you won’t be able to access it until you remember your old password.