How can I set up Windows and Linux on the same computer, and switch (somewhat) easily between them.?

Question

Earlier today, I tired to do this, but the results were . . . well, bad. I'm semi-technical, so I'd really appreciate it if someone could give me instructionson how to do this. Also, I plan on using, Kumbunu as my Linux distro. Is this a good choice>

Yes, I mean Kubuntu.

Answer 1

I did this and had no trouble using Fedora Linux (redhat.com).

Don't count on booting more than two operating systems however, because the limit on primary partitions is 4 for the Windows XP operating system.

Install Windows first, then use the Fedora disks that you can download from redhat (There will be 4 CDs that you need to burn)... don't just copy the files. Use Nero or some other utility like IsoBuster to burn the files to each disk from the .iso files.

The important thing with this dual boot configuration is to allow one of the two Linux boot managers to control the boot menu. I selected GRUB and this worked fine. The crucial thing is not to allow the boot manager to run from the MBR (master boot record), so choose the other option. Allow Linux to create the primary partition and the swap partition that it needs for itself.

Prior to the Linux installation, I recommend using the Windows XP partition manager (accessible from within the My Computer Icon > Select Manage) to create a shared partition that is not a primary partition. You would create an extended partition and then create a logical disk drive within that extended partition. Format this partition as FAT32, so that both Windows and Linux can use it to store files that are not specific to the operating system e.g., documents, pictures, files, and other content. I labeled this partition 'OSSHARE'.

In the end, after the Linux installation, Grub willb e your be your boot manager and you will be able to boot Linux or your Windows operating system which are both stored on primary partitions (in other words, they are bootable partitions). You will also have a shared partition that can be read by both Windows and Linux.

Starting with a clean system, I would create one primary partition for windows 15GB, one primary partition for Linux (at least 6 GB), and a shared partition (20GB). Leave the remainder of your space to allow Linux to create a swap disk. Using the Fedora Installation routine worked fine, but when I tried to control the process myself it didn't work out too well.

Good luck.

Answer 2

Well, normally when you install Linux aside with Windows, you need the following preparations:
- backup all your vital data;
- create/free-up a partition [normally, no less than 8.0 GB] for Linux usage;
- have a bootable media to install from [I think you would have a Kubuntu CD's/DVD - either downloaded or freely shipped.

If using Kubuntu 5.10, then the installer is a blue screen mode installer [ie, MS-DOS interface - no mouse detected]

If using Kubuntu 6.06 LTS, then the installer is a Live! Installer.

The Live! CD/DVD is basically a CD/DVD that boots Linux ithout any installation needed to give you the taste of the Linux.

What they did in Ubuntu / Kubuntu / Edubuntu Linux 6.06 LTS is that they made the installer load from under a Live! Interface, which enables you to access all programs while the installer is running. Although this makes the installer slower, but it still is a cool feature - at least you can access the internet [if you have a DSL ethernet connection] or play a simple game while the installer is running in the background.

Normally, the installer should detect your MBR (Master Boot Record) info, which contains the boot info, and then promt you if you want a multi-boot screen to apprear or not - this option only appears if another OS (Operating System) is detected.
It also, provides you with the option of having the default boot OS - in other words, after 30 seconds, if no option was made by the user, which OS should be loaded? Choose the default...

Note that there are a lot of Linux Destributions with a lot of interfaces...

Two of the most popular interfaces are KDE & Gnome.
- KDE (K Desktop Envirnoment)
http://www.kde.org/

- Gnome
http://www.gnome.org/

Its just a different feel and taste...
Ubuntu uses Gnome, while
Kubuntu uses KDE...


Note:
[1]
I personally recommend you try the installation of Linux on a Virtual Machine / PC. At least you get to try things out first.
Try VMware, it creates virtual RAM as well
The product you will need is VMware Woorkstation - available as a 30-day Trial
VMware Homepage:
http://www.vmware.com/

VMware Workstation Homepage:
http://www.vmware.com/products/ws/

To create a real life simulation, try installing Windows virtually, then install Kubuntu on top and see how things go...

[2]
When installing any destribution of Linux, its not easy to remove it from the MBR. There is a command you have to type in the Bash [which is similar to MS-DOS] to remove Linux from it...

[3]
There are two types of Boot screens, or MBR replacers for Linux that I know of:
- GNU GRUB - its short is 'GRUB'
http://www.gnu.org/software/grub/
- LILO - short for 'LInux LOader'
http://lilo.go.dyndns.org/

[4]
Recommend the installation of Linux on a totally different Hard Disk in order not to loose important information...

[5]
Linux Partitioning:
Use the following sites for more information on Manual Partitioning:
http://www.linuxforum.com/linux-partition/partition-4.html
http://www.tldp.org/HOWTO/Partition/requirements.html

Regarding iif your choice was a good one or not, Ubuntu & Kubuntu are teo of the best Linux destributions out there.

Hope this answers your question...

Good Luck

Answer 3

You might want to look at a different Linux Distribution. If you're just getting started on Linux, picking a popular distro means you'll have more resources online for when you get stuck with a problem. Fedora, Ubuntu, SUSE, Mandriva, or look for a project like Gentoo or Debian that package and test lots of software and such and include it in the package.

As far as putting it on your computer with another OS, you'll need to either partition your hard drive, or use 2 different hard drives. From a technical standpoint, getting a second drive is easier, but more expensive.

To switch OSes, simply restart your computer...your BIOS should ask you to select which partition/drive to boot from. :)

Answer 4

Here's tutorial on creating a dual boot Windows and Linux machine using Debian Linux, a distro I recommend (that or Ubuntu).

http://www.aboutdebian.com/dualboot.htm

Answer 5

There is a program called Commander or a name such ast that. It allows you to open mutiple operating systems and you choose the system you want to operate under at boot up. You have to restart to switch to the other operating system.

Answer 6

Yep Kubuntu is a good choice

This: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6104490811311898236&q= may help

Answer 7

partitian your hard drive. Load Windows on one drive, Linux on the other.