Linux/ Multi-Boot/ XP/ What is ?

[Jude3085]

Hello,
I have some questions that I would like to ask.

First, What is linux and what is it used for?

Second, I know i am ahead of the game but, Which is a better version or is it company of linux "Caldera, Turbolinux, or red hat?"

Third, i want to create a multi-boot system on my new pc that i am going to build soon. I want to put linux and windows xp on it. Are they both able to be put on a multi-boot?

Did anyone do this before that can give me some hints or suggestions? Is there website that is in detail of how to do this procedure? Is there any pros or cons to this? How do u like ur multi-boot system? Is it hard? Also do i need a partioning program or a multi-boot program?

Thanx for ur time.

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John

[Rick]

Linux is another Operating system.
it can be described as a Small version of Unix.

It is used the same way any other O/S is used.
To run programs on a computer just like windows or dos
it can be used in Command prompt mode (Expert mode)
Or with a number of GUI interfaces ( Graphics User Interface ) (desktop )

For a new user Redhat is a good retail version.
It allows you to obtain Limited tech support from the Company.
I personally prefer Mandrake . ( Free)

Both XP and Linux include a multi boot program ( Boot Loader)
However the boot loader with XP doesn’t support Linux.
So you will need to setup your Hard drive in advance and install XP first.
Then Install Linux

About the easiest way to prepare for a dual boot system.
Run Fdisk to partition your hard drive.
Create a Fat32 or NTFS partition or partitions for XP and your data files.
Do Not use all the drive space on the hard drive for these partitions.
Leave the amount of space you want to use for Linux as unused or not allocated in fdisk.

Then format the fat32 and or NTFS partitions and Install xp.
After you have that completed
You can install linux
When installing Linux it has the feature to use all available Unused disk space
It will setup and format drives in that unused space for you
It will also install and setup the boot loader for you
Along with the options and other programs you select

[pentachris]

Linux is an open-source operating system based on the Unix kernel. Unix is an operating system known for its great networking abilities and high security. The next time you click on a broken link and get a 404 screen, look for "Apache" followed by a version number at the bottom. Apache is the most common server on the internet. It runs on Unix.

Redhat is good, as is Caldera. I think I read that Redhat accounts for about half of all Linux sales. Most users don't pay for Linux, but rather install legally downloaded free copies. Mandrake is good for beginners, as is Lycoris (which was called "Redmond Linux" for some time because it was designed to be similar in look and feel to Windows). SuSE is very popular among experienced Linux users. I can't say much about TurboLinux - I don't know as much about it.

Yes, dual-booting Linux and XP is possible, and not too difficult. Create a partition for XP and install it first, leaving the rest of the hard drive unused (as little as 3 GB is fine for a beginning tinkerer). When installing most distros of Linux, you should be given the option to use the free space. It was quite easy for me using Mandrake.

Linux is quite a different animal than Windows because of things like permissions and the file structure. The same file can appear in the file manager under several different directories, and even something as simple as installing a new program can be puzzling. But it's rewarding.

EDIT: And listen to Rick. He helped me more than once when I needed newbie Linux help (thanks! http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif).

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Some mistakes are too much fun to make only once.

[This message has been edited by pentachris (edited 06-03-2002).]

[pentachris]

Click me. (http://www.pcguide.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/000498.html)

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Some mistakes are too much fun to make only once.