Linux and Windows on the same system?

[brocko]

hi, I have an AMD dual core system with 1 GB of RAM and two hard drives.
My system currently has Windows ex p as the operating software but I was hoping to install a Linux distribution on the second hard drive so that I had the choice of booting into either Windows or Linux.

I would like to know if there is a unique solution that allows me to select which hard drive I would like to boot from without having to go into the BIOS.

Anybody got any tips?

Brock

[slowtuna]

It's pretty easy using a bootloader called Grub. Depending on which distro you will be installing it may use Lilo. I've had windows and linux on a few machines, but now I just dual boot different distros. If you are new to linux, try Ubuntu or Fedora or Suse.

After it's all setup, a menu will popup during the boot allowing you to select what you want.

brian

[Patonb]

Or, you can setup a virrtual machine and run both at the same time.. bI've dual booted with a Slax varient..

It's not hard, but you do need to partion your drive... which can be scarey.

[Haley]

Hi there!

I am currently using Windows but I use Ubuntu once in a while. I installed it on my hard drive and use BIOS all the time. I'm still testing the OS so I really can't switch completely.

I want to try Grub, slowtuna (http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/member.php?u=2347). It is complicated to install?

[Patonb]

I use Lilo.. Was installed with my varient... They're all pretty much the same.

[mr_coffee]

my 2nd harddrive runs mandriva, and my other harddrive runs windows xp.

Just set the harddrive in the BIOS to start up on the linux harddrive, and install the bootloader, i like grub, lilo works fine as well, on the MBR on the LINUX harddrive so if u screw up the MBR on the windows you don't screw your harddrive.

So when your machine boots up, it will go directly to the boot loader and will ask u if u want to start linux or windows, its super easy, with mandriva it took 2 clicks to configure, no editing any configure files manually.

Just put the installatoin cd in so when u boot up too the 2nd harddrive it will automatically go to the cd because there won't be an OS on the 2nd harddrive and follow the installation directions, and at the end it will ask if u want to install a bootloader with mandriva it does anyways.

[slowtuna]

Hi there!

I am currently using Windows but I use Ubuntu once in a while. I installed it on my hard drive and use BIOS all the time. I'm still testing the OS so I really can't switch completely.

I want to try Grub, slowtuna (http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/member.php?u=2347). It is complicated to install?
Not if you are experienced with disk partitioning. It is easy, though, if you install it during the Ubuntu installation.

brian

[Haley]

Not if you are experienced with disk partitioning. It is easy, though, if you install it during the Ubuntu installation.

brian
Oh no, I'm not really experienced. I'm just trying hard to catch up. I think I a little bit techonogically challenged. Haha. I should definitely ask my brother to do that for me.

Are you using Ubuntu?

[Patonb]

If you're "Techincally challanged" Linux might not be for you, as things aren't so user friendly.

[cypresss]

any linuz distribution has a boot loader: lilo , grub

linux it's not too user friendly but can be learn with patience

ubuntu it's now on vague as windows alternative

u can run linux and windows same time with wmware (linux as a window in windows xp)

http://www.lifehack.org/articles/technology/beginners-guide-run-linux-like-any-other-program-in-windows.html