Installing and designating partion

[Buckshot]

When I install Linux mint 11 should I create a free-space or allocated partition to install it to?
This will be a dual boot with Win7. Is there a way to install and preserve Win BR or will Grub always change
the MBR ?

I am an "old" newbie please keep it clear and simple.

Thank You all for this OS and forum help!

[Tuxi]

Hello, the WIndows MBR program is located on the first sectors of the HD, when you install linux its install in the first sectors the gnu GRUB, and displace the MBR to other sectors. In teorhy the MBR remains unchanged, but some Windows installations can detect that MBR was displaced/moved and will decline to boot.
PD: There is also a risk of being the mbr slightly modified during its displacement.