Linus/ Windows XP

I have a system that currently has Windows XP on it. I don't want to completely delete the Windows XP Installation, but would like to keep it as a partition in case I would like to run the application. I would then like to try to keep Linux as the primary OS for the system. Is there a way to do this?

Thanks,

Keyser319

 

yep, it's possible. During the linux setup, it will give you an option to create new partitions for the linux install, and keep your original. It will also install a new boot manager, and should recognize that there's a windows OS installed. you might want to search for some tips on dual booting windows and linux on the web, there's alot of information about that subject.

 

Ok great. Thank you so much. Do you know if it is the same for Ubuntu? If you know of some sources that are good please post them.

Thanks,

Keyser319

 

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/WindowsDualBoot

 

If installing Linux after Windows (the easier route to take) then Linux will use its boot loader to get the machine running with the Operating System of your choice. LILO was my boot loader preference in the past but GRUB is now. If you choose to keep XP as the primary you need to get a snap shot of the Linux boot sector and transfer it to Windows so ntldr can do the job, then change the boot.ini file in Windows so you have the choice of running Linux or Windows. I believe you can run Ubuntu in Windows with Wubi. There is also a program called MobaLiveCD to run a Linux live CD's .iso file in Windows. EasyBCD is a program to manipulate the Vista or Windows 7 boot loader and keep Windows as the primary, while having the option of booting into a Linux environment. My preferences for Linux as a Windows convert are Mandriva and Puppy, but mainly use PCLinuxOS. Getting a wireless internet connection up and running was easy with the three above mentioned operating systems. The PCLOS repositories have plenty to offer for ease of program installation. In any case make sure you get a good defrag of Windows before installing Linux, back up your present Windows installation if at all possible, and you should probably run check disk from the command prompt in Windows before installation. chkdsk c:/r Linux has a steep learning curve, but with time it keeps getting easier, and the operating system as a whole is more forgiving than Windows IMHO.
rolleyes

 

Which Linux OS do you recommend for a system with low system resources? For instance 256MB of RAM and 1.10 Ghz processor. I basically want the system to only host one application for several remote users.

Thanks,

Keyser

 

Bugballou please give your advice on best Linux version.

Keyser319, have you tried any of the Live CDs from the various Linux distributions? They will give you a good idea of what you are getting without actually installing the program to HD. The whole OS will just run off the CD. Linux Mint looks just like Windows you can download their live CD and give it a try. It will give you internet access, FF and you can check out how it handles graphics compatibility as well. Just boot from the CD let it find your hardware and see how you like that version. Try a few different Linux distros to see which you prefer. Only takes a 700mb download and a blank CD for each one to try them out.