how to set-up a dual boot

ive been wanting to try out one of the many flavors of Linux so im wondering....how do i set up a dual boot so that i can choose which OS to load? And which version of Linux should i get? I heard Ubuntu (SP?) was pretty good...

 

First question, have you ever used any version of Linux? If not, I would personally use a LiveCD version like Mepis, or Knoppix, before committing. As for dual-booting, there are plenty of posts here at MG about it.

 

Second question... have you considered a Rack & Tray setup?

Don't tell me you are too cheap to buy another hdd. The answer to the first part of your question is to be able to physically swap hdds. One with one OS, the other with another OS.

Or buy another computer or use and old one for your experiments.

Please do yourself a great favor and keep it separate one way or the other.

You don’t want to run over to your neighbor’s computer and post, “Multi Boot Nightmare… How do I Get XP Back… Please Help”.

If you don’t want to do the Rack & Tray thing… then swap-out hdds physically by switching them via cable transfer. Let the new hdd hang out the box as you experiment. In this way your for-sure hdd will be at least in the drawer!

But if you wont spend $50.00, what comes back to you is only going to clog up the place.

 

As slick as a setup like that would be, I think you're unfairly bashing the dual boot option. While I haven't tried many distributions of Linux, I have managed to get Red Hat 7 to dual boot with Windows 98 and XP. From my experience, this was EASY to do, worked WELL, and I had NO problems going back. Reinstallation of windows is a snap, if viper_boy403 were to encounter any pitfalls.

 

ok so if its that easy, how would i do it? can i just try to boot from a linux cd and reinstall WITH XP? or would that overwrite it...would i mess with the boot manager? should i repartition the hdd and install linux on that? sorry for so many questions, im really new to this kinda stuff....

 

Well, with RH7, which is a relatively old distrobution/version, all you had to do is insert the CD into a machine running windows, and follow the prompts. RH did all the work. Partitioned the drive (according to the settings I gave it), formatted, installed, and configured the boot manager. I'd imagine that its even easier with newer distros.

 

alright, i think ill give it a go, thx

 

ummmm where might i find this for download....? i cant seem to find a working dl link anywhere

 

You can download Ubuntu Linux, or you may want to investigate (because knowledge is power!) this breakdown of other distributions

 

do you know if ubuntu will install like u said redhat would? from windows?

 

I'd imagine it would, but I can't say for sure. I really recommend you do your research. I would start by browsing the Ubuntu Support pages/forum.

 

Mada,

You’re right, upon looking back I can see your point. I was more focused on a direct and more or less “fool proof” method for a dual-boot system… rather than a same hdd dual boot bash. Your point is well taken.

Good luck to all.