Installing Linux

[homerz]

I have Windows XP and i want to install Linux so i can choose between these two operating systems at startup but my hard disk has only one partition (C and i don't want to format or loose data. What can i do? Thanks.

[Xeroid]

Distro's like Mandrake will allow you to resize your windows partition during the install process. Works pretty good. I used it a while back to resize a Win2000 ntfs partition.

Follow the directions and back up all important files before resizing.

[J-Excel]

You could keep an eye out for a good HD deal if you're worried about messing up your WX partition. I picked up a 30GB drive recently for $20.

[jkrohn]

If you do decide to do any partition resizing make sure that you have:
1) ran scandisk
2) Defragged, very important
3) Aren't trying to make a new partition greater than about 70% of your current free space

Personally I would just pick up a small drive. All you will need for linux is 10 GB TOPS. Probably only 4 or 5 at first The install will be 2 GB MAX and that will include almost all the software you will need to do anything.

Jkrohn

[Lostman]

Or Partition Magic will do it for you in windows if you have a few gig of free space. Nice and easy.

[TGB]

I agree with Lostman, set up a Linux partition before you install. Partition Magic will do the job fine, It will set up a linux partition plus Linux swap file on your "C" drive leaving your existing Windows files intact. Of course the size of your Windows Partition will be reduced to accomodate this. Then when you install Linux you'll need a boot manager that lets you choose which OS you wish to boot, Lilo fits the bill here and is usually an option offered in most distros. If you want to try Linux before you install it permanantly to you HD try one of the "live" CDs which will not interfere with your hard drive, I reccomend Knoppix, or better still Mepis. here's a list you can choose from.

http://www.distrowatch.com/dwres.php?resource=cd

[griobhta]

Just make sure you back up any vital data from your windows installation just in case. Never mess with partitions on a drive unless you have either backed everything up or dont mind if you loose it should the worst come to pass.

g