You can by installing Windows in the normal fashion, but if you do, Mandriva Linux may be erased.
There are over three hundred active Linux distributions, with over a dozen different methods for installing software. Without knowing what distribution you are using, it is almost impossible to provide you with suitable and concise instructions.
A protocol is a set of rules describing some behavior. In order to communicate in a common manner, the sender and receiver have to agree on the "language" of communication. A protocol states what those rules are, and because they are a standard, everyone agrees and knows what to expect.
Yes. All linux based OS's can be installed at side or over W7.
Some Linux distributions have the ability to be installed over a network. However, it should be noted that this is an endeavor that is intermediate to expert in difficulty.
The last step would be to try to print over the network from each computer connected to the network.
If the printer is not supported in Linux, you may still be able to print to it by connecting it to an Windows computer and "sharing" it over the network. Make sure you have Samba installed.
There are 5 types pf protocols used in the computer network.
You could use any kind supported by the Linux kernel, though a TCP/IP network over Ethernet or wireless would probably be best.
Experience says that the different companies in the line of work have their own protocols. Further those protocols are 'commercial in confidence' and therefore unavailable outside the company
On a hard drive, CD/DVD, floppy disk, as part of the device's firmware, or over a network with PXE.
Those specific, standardized rules are called protocols.