I'd like to install Linux, and have some questions
I'd like to install Linux, and have some questions
Hi all. I'd like to install Linux, so my system can be a dual boot Win32/Linux system. The problem is, I'm a complete n00b on the subject. For one thing, I've only got one hard drive I can use, and it's the same one Windows XP is installed on. Can I still install it? Second, what distribution should I use? I'm looking for one that's very newbie friendly. I hear Fedora is a good one, is this correct?
You're maybe better off asking something like that in a linux forum.
But, well, lets try answering it...
You can install both system on a single harddisk (i've done that here also). But you need to partition your harddisk before that. An application which can be used to do that is for example qtparted. Also it's usually recommended to have several partitions (not just Windows-Linux). The best way to partition a harddisk depends on the needs of the user (and can cause long discussion) and you could just use one partition for linux - but that's not recommended in the long run.
BACKUP your important stuff BEFORE you do that!
I'd create at least 3 additional partitions. One bootpartition (mounted to /boot and it can be very small, lets say 50 MB is already very big) and one swappartition (which is typically about 2x the size of you main memory). From there on opinions differ. Some people (like me) just put everything else on a big partition (at least a few GB, but up to as much as you can spare for linux), other do split the harddisk further up, mainly to seperate systemdata and userdata.
Now for the distribution. Fedora is good distribution, but i wouldn't recommend it as no.1 to someone who is just switching from Windows. What i would recommend to do is to download a few live-distributions. Those are linux distribution which you can copy on a CD/DVD and boot them from there. No need to install anything to harddisk - you just boot into the distribution and can check if everything does work - if you like the desktop layout, the applications which come with the distribution, the help system, etc.
And currently i would recommend to try out those distributions : Kubuntu live, Suse live, Ubuntu live, Fedora live. Actually that's also the sequence in which i'd recommend them to people switching from Windows.
Once you found a live distribution which you like, just install it. Usually the way to do that is documented (including the partition stuff) . Also in most cases you will have already an internet connection up and running _while_ installing linux, so you can just ask in irc-channels or search the web for additional help.
But, well, lets try answering it...
You can install both system on a single harddisk (i've done that here also). But you need to partition your harddisk before that. An application which can be used to do that is for example qtparted. Also it's usually recommended to have several partitions (not just Windows-Linux). The best way to partition a harddisk depends on the needs of the user (and can cause long discussion) and you could just use one partition for linux - but that's not recommended in the long run.
BACKUP your important stuff BEFORE you do that!
I'd create at least 3 additional partitions. One bootpartition (mounted to /boot and it can be very small, lets say 50 MB is already very big) and one swappartition (which is typically about 2x the size of you main memory). From there on opinions differ. Some people (like me) just put everything else on a big partition (at least a few GB, but up to as much as you can spare for linux), other do split the harddisk further up, mainly to seperate systemdata and userdata.
Now for the distribution. Fedora is good distribution, but i wouldn't recommend it as no.1 to someone who is just switching from Windows. What i would recommend to do is to download a few live-distributions. Those are linux distribution which you can copy on a CD/DVD and boot them from there. No need to install anything to harddisk - you just boot into the distribution and can check if everything does work - if you like the desktop layout, the applications which come with the distribution, the help system, etc.
And currently i would recommend to try out those distributions : Kubuntu live, Suse live, Ubuntu live, Fedora live. Actually that's also the sequence in which i'd recommend them to people switching from Windows.
Once you found a live distribution which you like, just install it. Usually the way to do that is documented (including the partition stuff) . Also in most cases you will have already an internet connection up and running _while_ installing linux, so you can just ask in irc-channels or search the web for additional help.
Definately Ubuntu to start (VERY user-friendly but rather lacking for the advanced user), maybe Puppy to mess around with a basic Linux setup with no fuss. Once you get the hang of Linux, I strongly suggest learning Arch Linux, it's one of the most technically sound setups that manages to stay user-friendly at the same time. A good time investment.
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I'd say ubuntu also... although you have to install the compiler and libraries manually(that is they don't come pre-installed but come on the disk).
As has been mentioned: backup important data and defrag the hard drive in windows before partition resizeing (this will reduce the chance of data loss).
As has been mentioned: backup important data and defrag the hard drive in windows before partition resizeing (this will reduce the chance of data loss).
pushpork
Hi! Everyone's right.
1. The ideal thing would be to have 2 separate drives; 1 for win and 1 for Linux, but since you only got one you must partition it. Ideally, it should be big enough for both OS's to operate properly. Partition your drive in Halves. The smallest drive I've tried ia a 40gb drive on a laptop. 20/win 20/lin.
2. Install windows first.
3. Use a binary distro with an easy install process. I know Ubuntu is pretty easy but the one I use is Suse and I love it. Installation is very straightforward and well explained and it does all the job of partitioning, resizing and dual-booting automatically for you. It then displays a summary of how your system will be partitioned so you can make changes before making a final decision. Latest version (opensuse 10.2) comes with a lot of improvements. Suse is well know for its stability and continuous development.
http://www.opensuse.org
1. The ideal thing would be to have 2 separate drives; 1 for win and 1 for Linux, but since you only got one you must partition it. Ideally, it should be big enough for both OS's to operate properly. Partition your drive in Halves. The smallest drive I've tried ia a 40gb drive on a laptop. 20/win 20/lin.
2. Install windows first.
3. Use a binary distro with an easy install process. I know Ubuntu is pretty easy but the one I use is Suse and I love it. Installation is very straightforward and well explained and it does all the job of partitioning, resizing and dual-booting automatically for you. It then displays a summary of how your system will be partitioned so you can make changes before making a final decision. Latest version (opensuse 10.2) comes with a lot of improvements. Suse is well know for its stability and continuous development.
http://www.opensuse.org
Last edited by afecelis on Tue Feb 06, 2007 1:09 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Pay the money and at least get another harddrive. Partitioning your drives blows, especially after an OS is already installed on it. If you are just getting into linux, it's something you shouldn't have to deal with, IMO. With another harddrive you can just install the drive and reboot into a kubuntu CD. It's worth the money for the time you'll save.
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