Running Linux on a Windows Machine?

Question

I would like to run SUSE Linux on a computer that already has Windows on it. Other people use this computer, so I just need a dual-boot setup. Unfortunately, I don't know how to partition my hard drive without losing files.

Answer 1

I believe the SUSE installer will take care of repartitioning and setting up a dual boot. There are also plenty of open source repartitioning tools available.

These links may help:
http://www.linuxquestions.org/questions/showthread.php?t=283309
http://www.novell.com/coolsolutions/tip/18010.html
http://help.lockergnome.com/general/set-SUSE-10-amp-Windows-dual-boot-ftopict51009.html
http://www.howtoforge.com/windows_linux_dual_boot
http://www.linuxforums.org/forum/installation/19841-dual-boot-suse-linux-9-1-windows-xp.html

Answer 2

I've never used SUSE, but Ubuntu is easy to install (www.ubuntu.com). And don't worry, you shouldn't lose files. With Ubuntu, just run it off the live cd (you can order one free of charge or download the disk image), then just run the installer. It will then partition your drive and you'll still have your files. I recommend backing up your important stuff first, though (burn to DVD or something), and defragmenting your drive a few times. Diskeeper Lite is free and does a good job, google it. Everything should go smoothly.

Hope this helps,

~Scooter (Teh DS)

Answer 3

No-frill partition tools either by Microsoft itself or bundled with Linux installers will wipe the existing format in the process of performing their functions; but most none-no-frill tools either as Windows or Linux programs can do the non-destructive resizing; the earliest and still popular partition tool is Partition Magic; there are more you just need to find them.

Answer 4

install a new drive you can boot SUSE from anywhere.