[Fsf-friends] problems with installing linux on older hardware

[Kush]

One problem that I have always faced with installing linux and have dual 
boot systems is the need to resize existing partitions--specially NTFS 
partitions. Can anybody advise which open source softwares are best to 
do this job painlessly? I recently came across partition logic but have 
still to try it.

what are the key tools one needs to install linux effectively on a desktop?
some which come to mind are

   1. ultimatebootcd.com (for special fdisk(otherwise windows creates
      problems if the linux fdisk is only used), booting etc)
   2. ghosting software (for painless and multiple installations
      simultaneously/in parallel)
   3. a linux distribution --ubuntu/fedora/easyubuntu etc