How hard is it to dual partition?

Question

I am thinking about putting Linux on my laptop, but I hear there are some occasions where I still may need Windows. I have a 50 gig hard drive, and an additional 7 where Windows is permanently installed.

Is it possible to have both installed, and choose when and if to run windows for school papers etc.? I do not play games on my pc.

Simply chat, microsoft office, and browse online.

Answer 1

It is actually really easy to set up a dual partition. The first thing you need to do is format your hard drive, so back up everything you want saved. Then put your xp cd in and boot your computer. During the install process it will ask you if you want to delete all existing partitions, you want to say yes. Then you will need to set up new partitions. The size of these partitions depend on what you want to do on each operation system. After the windows install is complete you want to install linux on the other partition.

Here is a website for some additional help

Answer 2

Although you can do partitions with PartitionMagic or Linux itself, did you think of using VMWare? You could have 2 machines, one virtual and one real, each running their own OS simultaneously.

Think about it, it's really nice!

Answer 3

Go here for further, and more details instructioins:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/306559