Thread: XP - Linux dual booting suggestions

Hi,

I have decided (due to academic reasons) that it would be prudent for me to have both a linux and windows OS on my desktop computer.

I myself have a very thin understanding of linux and so am looking for tips. These are the primary questions that I would like answering:



1. I am planning on having 3 partitions on my HDD, a 30gb windows XP drive, a 30gb Linux based OS drive, and the remaining as a store drive. Would this be adequate.

2. What linux OS should I get and where should it come from.

3. What else do I need to know.


These questions may update as I research more.

Thanks guys :)

Yes that would be adequate and good enough for what u want to acheive. Actually before going all out with installing Linux u should try a live cd first so u get the feel of it. There are plenty of Linux distro live cd's out there and this will help u in your choice between distro's. U can find them anywhere on the net and the best part is u can download them as torrents.

If i was u I would go with the new Ubuntu and think u would be able to pick that up quite easily. Ubuntu is very user friendly and trust me Linux is not a big deal as its made out to be. I think Linux is easier to use then Windows, but thats me. The bottom line is u will have no trouble with Linux and there really isnt anything else u need to know. If u have any more questions i would be glad to answer them.

Well i tried installing them together and after some month it was a big mess....now I use vartual box for doing this..as I don't need to install it but I can still work on it..; )


linux Ubuntu...you can order it online for free..it will get delevered at your home. or you can download it... ;)

@ MikeD: Thanks for the info.

@ forbidden: Why was it a big mess?


I should further clarify what I am wanting linux for at first:

I need it to run this program.

The installation instructions are here http://www.hs.uni-hamburg.de/DE/Ins/...Nightfall.html


Would this make a difference to the distribution that I should get?

Download the Wubi Installer and it will automatically partition Ubuntu/Kbuntu.../ on your XP machine (you choose the partition size also before you install). I'm not too sure about creating the 3rd partition though.

@ Droid: I am planning on formatting my comp anyway as it is getting really messy, figured I should wipe everything and start from scratch. I already understand how to partition so this won't be a problem. My main concern is with the type of distribution and the installation of it which I have placed now in my previous posts.

It wont be a mess so dont let that scare u away. If u have experience with computers, find the right drivers ahead of time, make sure u do research and mount the drives correctly, then u will have no issues at all. Like i mentioned make sure u try a live cd first so u can find the right flavor. Theres also no need to order it cause u can download distro's from 100 different places. Also a live cd can also be used for install as well so its really a good choice.

U could also go the virtual route as well. Whatever way u choose u will be fine.

EDIT > Ubuntu Desktop would be perfect with the program u are trying to use. The program complies with support with Gnome. So honestly i would go the Ubuntu Desktop route.

Originally Posted by Goo Ball

@ forbidden: Why was it a big mess?

nah nothing big it was had something to do with all the carp I installed and some partition issue..nothing you need to worry it was like when I started using linux...my first installation..so I prefer the Sun VirtualBox only now...but still not much into it..have used Ubuntu and mint....ubuntu is nice and easy..

Excellent. I am downloading a Ubuntu CD as we speak.

Should there be anything else that I need to know?