Need Help : Linux

[ClubMed]

Okay, I have a WinXP machine with 3 HD's and more than enough space to install Linux.

I have a Linux distro called Knoppix 3.4, it is a version of Linux that can be booted from the CD-ROM without installing on the computer. But it is also possible to install it on the HD, and this is what I want to do.

So can anyone help me out?

I need step by step instructions that a newb can understand to make a new partitiion and to install Linux.

Anyone up for this challenge?

Thanks

[SunDizzle]

First thing you should do is go to the Knoppix web site and read through their instructions. Then you should be able to create a boot disk from the /images file on the cd. Create that and then boot your machine. You should then be prompted as to what kind of installation you want i.e. dual boot or single (I assume dual boot in your case). After that you should then be directed to a screen that allows you to choose the hard drive (labeled as hda, hdb, hdc, etc.....hda should be the first primary partition on your master primary hd and then the hdb should then be your first logical drive on the extented partition on the master primary hd and so on....) Choose which hd you want to instal to and then create your swap file first. The swap should at least be the same size of your ram or double (I used double) and the rest should be your / (main directory, no c which I used filesystem type ext3. From there on in you should be able to choose your hardware if not detected and then the packages. I am strictly a Windows person myself but I am currently in a class that is teaching Linux. I installed RedHat 7.2 on my machine and the install was quite simple. Now, managing the system and upkeeping it, that is where the true head ache begins!!! I haven't yet figured out how to make my Windows pcs and linux communicate but I am working on it. A member named JKrohn has been quite helpful in all my problems.

GOOD LUCK!!! I would buy a case of beer/alcohol (yes case of alcohol) now to consume durring the whole learning process.

Not very GUI sensitive, most of your settings are adjusted through the terminal (command line) so that is where the true headache is!!

[crouse]

Bah.... buy two swappable drive trays and save yourself all the headaches

http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproduc...n=drive%2Ctray

[ClubMed]

Crouse,

Unfortunately I don't have that option at the moment. But it's a good idea.

SunDizzle, thanks for the help, but I need simpler step by step instructions

[deltaf508]

Honestly, if your learning Linux i would not set up a "dual" boot machine. Best case scenerio is that it works perfectly with no problems. Worse case scenario however - you could end up hosing Windows. I use a removable drive tray like crouse mentioned but if that is not an option and you have extra drives laying around why not use one of those drives and just remove the XP drive from the machine and replace it with a dedicated linux drive while you ar learning.

After all you can only boot to one OS at a time anyway. When you want to go back to XP - yank th linux drive and plug XP back in.

Just my .02,

Gary

[ClubMed]

deltaf508,

I guess I could do that, but then I would have to open up the case each time.

Okay so if I have a drive to use as deltaf508 mentioned, what steps should I do first and how?

[SunDizzle]

Is the disk that you have a boot disk?

[ClubMed]

Not at the moment

I think these are the instructions for a full install:
http://www.knoppix.net/docs/index.php/HdInstallHowTo

[SunDizzle]

did you get the download files from here:
http://download.linuxtag.org/knoppix/

if so, check the file to see if there is a boot.iso file on it.

[ClubMed]

No, it was sent to me on CD from my student council as part of a program to promote Linux.

I'm not sure whats on the CD, I was able to test it by having it boot from the CD earlier.