XP and Linux

[NeedScripts]

I just got a new comp with 120 GB HD (20 GB main win xp installation & 100 GB for other stuff) and am wanting to install linux on the drive D that has 100GB. However, am not sure how it works as I haven't done this before.. does anyone else have experience of using XP and Linux on the same computer? How did you do this? any problems? was it easy?

Trust me I can use all the help..

Thanks

NeedScripts

[SethCall]

There are tutorials how to do this ALL over the web.

Use the search phrase "dual boot" and through in linux and windows xp

... you will find many many helpful resources. It would take way to long to do a good job on it in a forum post

[2oddSox]

Hi NeedScripts,

Another option you might want to consider is an application called VMware. It allows you to have simultaneous OS's running, such as Linux from within an XP environment. It does sap a little bit out of the performance of the machine, but if you've got a new box with 120GB HD, then I suspect your specs are pretty good anyhow.

As SethCall suggested, just do a search in good ol' Google and you'll find heaps of tutorials. To the uninitiated, installing Linux can be a steep learning curve, but it's worth it.

Good luck,

2odd...

[Reynard]

No worries.

I am running both XP and Red Hat.

Install XP first.

Then install linux.

Most current versions of linux have thier own boot loader (LILO, Grub) and will detect XP and configure for it.

Or at least that is what Red Hat does, never got Debian to work :(

Been working great, just be careful when installing linux partitions.

[griz_fan]

Hi NeedScripts,

Do you happen to know what file system your partitions are using? XP works best running NTFS, but setting up a dual boot on NTFS drives can be a bit tricky. If possible, repartition (or use something like partition magic) your 100GB drive to make some room for Linux. I have a 40GB drive in my dual-boot system, 1st partition is a 20GB NTFS for XP, 2nd partition is a 10GB FAT32 and I left another 10GB as unpartitioned space for Linux to use.
I installed XP first, then installed Red Hat into the unpartitioned space, going with the partition configuration suggested by the Red Hat installer. Installation was actually pretty smooth, Linux distros have come a long way in this regard. Configuring Linux after installation was a bit trickier, but manageable.
After the install completed, I had the LILO boot manager come up first, giving me the option to boot into linux or XP, with XP as the default. I use the 10GB FAT32 partition as the middle man between the two OS's. I keep my MP3 files and other shared files there. I'm sure there's a way to get Linux to see NTFS partitions, but I couldn't find any how-to guides. Getting Linux to see FAT32 partitions was pretty easy, though.

[NeedScripts]

I am thinking of getting partition magic and give about 30 GB to Linux.. but now am having double thoughts.. should I be scared of Linux or just jump into it.. and hopefully it will be fun :)

[2oddSox]

You're welcome.

[griz_fan]

NeedScripts,

I'd say just dive in. Take the normal precautions by backing up your data in XP, but the chances of significant problems are pretty low. Worst case scenario is that you'll have to delete the linux partitions and run the winXP recovery console to get Lilo or Grub out of the boot partition to get your system back to normal. I had to do that once, and it was really easy to do. But the chances of you having to do that are slim, so take the plunge! IMHO, its well worth it, even if you stick to windows for your day-to-day computing. You'll be amazed at how much you'll learn about computers in general from running Linux.