How do you support Linux and XP on the same computer? Would you be able to boot each OS seperately?

Answer 1

The short answer to your question is: YES! I'm doing just that right now, with 2 versions and Linux AND Windows

The Long(er) answer:
A computer can run many operating systems, be it Linux or Windows. The way I personally achieved this was to make sure that I had a hard disk drive for each operating system installed into my PC (this is also often achieved by splitting one hard disk drive into many 'partitions' and is recommended for users who are familiar with these things).

Let's give you an example of installing and setting up a 2 Operating System machine using 2 seperate hard disk drives; Ubuntu Linux and Windows XP.

First, install Windows XP using the normal boot CD option, choosing the second hard disk drive that is installed. It will make this the C: drive for your Windows installation. Once completed and installed, boot up Windows, install any critical updates and set it up the way you want to use it.

Next, boot your computer using the Ubuntu CD (I currently use version 6.06 'Breezy Badger'). The CD will be a 'Live CD' which means you can try out the operating system without actually installing it. Booting into the Live Ubuntu system, you are given the opportunity to install the Ubuntu Linux Operating System. During the install process, you can choose to install the Operating System onto your first hard disk drive (not the one that already has Windows on it), and it will partition that disk drive automatically to run Ubuntu. Also, Ubuntu will usually detect that Windows XP is installed on the other drive and will add it to the boot loader (GRUB), making it available to choose from when booting your computer.

Once the installation is complete and you have rebooted your PC, you will have 4 choices on the GRUB boot loader (Ubuntu, Ubuntu safe version, Memtest, and Windows XP).

I hope that helps answer your question and good luck in your efforts!

Answer 2

I doubt whether installing XP next will help. Normally it overwrites the Memory Boot Record sector.I feel installing XP first in some PRIMARY drive and then installing Linux in some secondary drive works well. You can use the GRUB loader or the good old LILO to get the boot screen. Anyway Its automated.

Answer 3

AFter installing windows have an extra drive or partition ready, then install Linux. You'll need a bootloader like lilo or grub, that will give you the startup option to boot into either windows or Linux.

If you install linux first like the previous poster says, you better be real clear on where your linux boot sector went, or you'll be repairing your linux install.

Answer 4

Yes. Partition your drive. Install Linux first. Then install XP. You will be prompted with a boot screen where you can choose which OS to boot into.

Answer 5

First as a caution on the digital disk. I honestly have tried that, it would want to be risky and may have a heavy slowdown on your laptop. honestly the idea of two OS's on one laptop would make it more effective sturdy in a fashion of talking. shall we are saying some thing is going incorrect on your homestead windows section. basically leap into linux and figure out the thanks to fix it. or you are able to go vice versa (in spite of the undeniable fact that homestead windows does require more effective software to get well linux). the in consumer-friendly words ingredient risky is the boot loader yet I honestly have not had any trouble with it and, if it extremely does get tousled, the stay CD for ubuntu has fixes for the boot loader. i'm curently twin booting my computer and it in consumer-friendly words has about 20 GB. It has no longer failed once. basically as a part be conscious, repartioning is somewhat risky yet after it really is carried out, if each little thing is undamaged each little thing resumes stability. Basicly, you're chance-free. good success.