What operating system - part II?

Question

OK, Thank you all for your prompt answers! So I think I'll buy the XP one but I also like the idea of getting used to Linux (I actually like the idea of quality freewares in general). I've heard about partitions - dividing my computer in 2 and running either one or the other systems. Is this really feasible? Should I try it?

Answer 1

Yes it is feasible, but make sure you have a big enough hard drive to accomplish the two full partitions. I've done it, and it is fairly easy to do. Make sure there is enough space in each partition for growth in the future, it isn't easy to exchange space one the partition is established. Make sure you make both partitions bootable, and create a duel boot system. Sometimes that means creating a small third partition with the duel boot option.

Answer 2

Yes, it is feasible expecially if your hard drive is more than twice the size of what you normally use.

**Almost forgot**
the newest version of Ubuntu, 7.10, now includes native read/write support for NTFS (Windows filesystem) so if you really need to access data from your Windows partition you can.

Ubuntu is nice.

Remember, if you partition your hard drive then change your mind and only want Windows, you will have to re-format your computer. (Atleast that's what I experienced. If that changed ... please let me know).

Another solution you can do, instead of partitioning your hard drive is use Knoppix. Knoppix is a linux distrabution that boots from a CD instead of your hard drive.

Answer 3

It's really easy. Just download QTParted and shrink your NTFS partition. Then create a new fat 32 one. Install linux to the new one, and install the bootlaoder that comes with your linux distro to the MBR.

Answer 4

absolutely feasible... both OSes even support such a setup from the outset.

harddrive space is not really an issue... as long as you have more than 200 Gigs

Answer 5

You can do it i used both on my system but can be tricky if you never done it.