What Linux 8.1 are you trying to install (Mandrake, SuSe, etc.)
I would recommend a newer version of linux than either of those ... both have no more support from the company ... so there are not any more security updates, which if you are connected to the internet are very important.
What is the install for ... if for a production server, I recommend either
WhiteBox Enterprise Linux or
CentOSIf for a workstation / to learn Linux, I recommend
Fedora Core 2 or
Mandrake 10.0 OfficialAlso, newer versions of linux have better driver support on boot up.