Hello, everyone. I’m currently reading-up on Linux and thinking of using it on a test basis – running it on my second HD, which has 70.4 GB of free space. The main thing I do not want to do is for an installation to affect my running of XP in any way. Which version of Linux would be suitable for a complete beginner? I have also heard that there is a CD version of the OS that is not actually installed on a HD, but runs from the CD itself, perhaps this would be good for a newbie... Basically, I’m looking for something that will be the most compatible re: devices, programs, etc. If I wanted to install Linux, would I have to reformat the second HD I mentioned in order to install Linux on it? Any advice/help would be appreciated. Dave.
Hey Dave, Im glad you decided to consider trying linux. I'm going to direct you to a few threads from the past that may help you and if you still have any questions, I'd be glad to help. which version of linux is best for a newbie linux general FAQ the flavors of linux linux, but which one Hope that helps.
Okay, Fred & all. So far, I have read all the links you kindly provided and I think I'll go with Mandriva Linux. I'll probably get an installation DVD from this source LinuxDist UK - Linux made easy! , as it will be quicker than downloading. Now, I plan to put Mandriva Linux on my second HD (XP being on my first). I have 70.4GBs of free space on the second HD. Now, I'm assuming that I will have to repartition/format this drive and lose any data on it (I can transfer it if this is the case). Sorry if these questions seem dumb, but I'm a bit out of my depth as far as partitioning is concerned and want to get things right for the proposed install. My main concerns are: 1. Not 'upsetting' the running of XP on the first drive, so that I can readily access it whenever I want; particularly as I shall be testing out Mandriva (for what I imagine will be some time). 2. If Mandriva goes on my second HD, I assume (correctly or otherwise) that on starting up my machine (each time I want to use Mandriva) I need to hit F8 and select the second HD from the Boot Menu so as to start the OS. My concern here is, is this the best way to do it? Many thanks, Dave.
Mandriva will not disturb your existing Windows installation in the slightest unless you choose to reformat your primary drive instead of your extra one. However, you should move off any data from the secondary drive which you want to keep or else lose it forever. No, there is a better way to do it. Mandriva will automatically configure a bootloader which includes an entry for Windows for you. When the system boots, you will have the option of booting either Linux or Windows. P.S. - We have a tutorial on Getting the Most from Mandriva. I highly recommend you go through it thoroughly, as it will really simplify your initial steps into that distibution of Linux.
Thank you so much. Well, that really makes me feel more confident! I'll read up on the link you kindly provided and may well take the plunge within the next couple of weeks! I'll post to let you know how it's going. Cheers, Dave. EDIT: As I have 70.4 GBs of free space on the second drive, do you think it would be an idea for me to partition that drive using something like Partition Magic and allocating, say 30 GBs to the partition I put Linux on and leave the rest of the free space to use for the storage of Windows-based files/programs? Cheers, Dave
