Dual OS

I just got a 250 GB hard drive for 129 $, pretty good deal I think...
Anyways my question is the following.
I would like to set up Linux (Fedora) on the new hard drive.
What is the most efficient way of doing this and what should I expect?
For example I would take about 30 GB and give it to my linux so that I can play with it, and rest I would like to use to store music/movies and other things.
Can I use this partition by both windows and Linux or not.
Also if I install Linux will windows overwrite my linux settings or will it even see the partiton, or will it just use it as a some other partition?

thanks for any help

 

Hello, be0
I'm a linux n00b myself, but I may be of some help to you.
I have found that it is best to install XP first, and then to install GNU/Linux second.

Since you will just be "messing around" and experimenting with Linux, give XP the first partition, since the access times wiill be better. When you then install Linux, you will be best served by also giving linux a swap partition, for paging out memory as needed. So, that makes for at least 3 partitions, right?
Now, at least one more partition for data for the XP makes at least four partitions.

I would suggest keeping data from XP seperate from Linux data. Why? NTFS is a much better file system, but Linux only has read and write support for FAT32
file system.

The install itself should go fairly easily.

I am curious about your internet service, is it dial-up? If it is, you may run into compatability concerns with your modem. That bridge can be crossed when you come to it.

If you would like to contact me, think I may be of help, please feel free to send me a Private Message via this board.

Good Luck in the install!

Regards,



Robert

 

Hey thanks man
No, I have cable 5Mb line, love it. ....
See I already have XP on my hard drive it is a WD 80 GB I split it into 2 partitions, second one I use for music and stuff

Now on my 250 GB hard drive I would like to put linux so yeah I am alredy familiar that I must use FAT32

btw what is the difference between NTFS and FAT32 ....??
thanks

 

Link:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/setup/expert/russel_october01.mspx
Another:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/games/expert/durham_fs.mspx