Linux and XP

How can I run Linux on my PC? Can I run XP and Linux both?

 

Yes, you can run both. Have you looked at any Linux websites or forums?
You can stick a Linux installation cd or dvd into your optical drive and you will have Linux and XP both and be able to choose which one to boot from.

However, there is always the possiblity that the installation may not go as planned and you may have to repair or reload your XP-- just a word of caution.
If that prospect doesn't bother you, download a Linux distro or buy some online (they are cheap) or get them in a magazine at the bookstore or newstand.
It is a lot fun(?) to play around with and you will probably become an expert sooner than you might think.

Check these websites out just for starters:
http://distrowatch.com/
http://www.linuxforum.com/
http://www.linuxcd.org/index.php
http://www.gentoo.org/

 

What you want to do is known as "Dual Booting." I have posted instructions on how to Dual Boot Windows 2000/XP and Linux a few time in the last year here. If you are new to Linux, the task could seem overwhelming but is actually a fairly straight foward procedure.

I would suggest playing around with a 'Live' CD, before commiting to configuring your computer for dual boot.

 

Here is a link to something I found rather useful:
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/.../proddocs/en-us/bootcons_fixmbr.mspx?mfr=true

Having a floppy drive and a startup floppy has helped me a lot also.
Find out and write down everything you can about your hardware before you start experimenting with other os's.

 

>> How can I run Linux on my PC? Can I run XP and Linux both? << jerseydevil

Windows and Linux can actually quite easily be installed and used as 'complementary' systems on a single PC.

The following links offer a brief overview regarding several tips for installing and using Linux + Windows [together] as well as details for the most beneficial methods while using two operating systems on one machine. Linux and Windows: Mixed doubles - Part 1 and Part 2.

This site page Dual-Boot Linux and Windows 2000/Windows XP gives adequately detailed step-by-step instructions as to how to accomplish this process.

Over time, Linux has become relatively easier to install, as well as administer and maintain and very easy to run; with a little prep-work and 'reading-up' beforehand. Newer versions of Red Hat actually run pretty nicely [easily], with few problems. Both KDE 3.0 and Novell Linux Desktop 9 are impressive desktops.

I would most definitely recommend a newer or better HD rather than using any older beat up HD that formerly got the crap beat out of it while it previously ran Windows. Then you should buy yourself a Linux for Dummy's style of book on how to use Linux with the KDE and Gnome GUI's. I would also point you to a site like Alphabetical Directory of Linux Commands.

I created my own [meager] Linux 'link referral' webpage called "Invaluable Links for Linux Lovers!" [on my FreewareRocks.com site] that you might find useful.