My wife's laptop (Windows 7 Home on 64 bit) seems to have lost the boot sector. The Windows came on the laptop so no Windows install DVD's.

I just bought a 1 TB Western Digital drive Looking to partition half for Linux and half for Windows (probably 7 pro) dual boot windows 7 and Linux (for me)

I am hoping to install Linux first then Windows after I find a reasonable priced copy.
Question:

1) Is it reasonable to install Linux first and have Windows installed later as the default boot (Wife's computer)?

2) When is the next installfest?

3) Is this (partition and install Linux) something you folks can do at the next installfest such that I can install Windows later?

4) Is there a better way?

5) Which Linux version is recommended?

TIA
George