More Computer Building Questions

He has: 1,380 posts

Joined: Feb 2002

ok, heres another question (actually a few)

#1- If i want to have Linux and WinXP on the same machine, whats the best way?
1a- Partition 80GB HD for WinXP and other "drive" for Linux
1b- One 80GB HD for WinXP, One 80GB HD for Linux
#2- If i go with "1a", can i share another 80GB HD for data storage?
#3- Is partitioning different for Linux from XP (how do i do it)?
#4- Will WinXP see the Linux partition?
#5- When booting up, how do i choose which OS to boot?

thanks alot!

Mark Hensler's picture

He has: 4,048 posts

Joined: Aug 2000

1 - up to you
2 - yes
3 - eh.. yes
4 - no, but linux can read NTFS
5 - lilo will prompt

mairving's picture

They have: 2,256 posts

Joined: Feb 2001

Partitioning is different in Linux. It depends on which flavor of Linux that you are using. Mandrake, Redhat and others have an option to auto-partition it for you. Basically you would have a root, swap, usr and home partition. I use fdisk for Linux to set my own partitions.

You probably won't need a 80Gb for both OS's. If you installed both disks of Mandrake, you would only have about 2Gb used. XP may be a little more once you get your programs installed.

As Mark said, lilo will give you dual booting capability if you install Linux after XP. Make sure that you make a boot disk with your Linux setup.

Mark Irving
I have a mind like a steel trap; it is rusty and illegal in 47 states

He has: 1,380 posts

Joined: Feb 2002

ok thanks!

Mark Hensler's picture

He has: 4,048 posts

Joined: Aug 2000

I can't imagine filling a 80GB drive with linux stuff. Though, I do quite well filling drives with Windows stuff.

Feel free to mail me any spare drives you've got. Wink

Mark Hensler
If there is no answer on Google, then there is no question.

Busy's picture

He has: 6,151 posts

Joined: May 2001

Quote: Originally posted by Mark Hensler
Feel free to mail me any spare drives you've got. Wink

or me Laughing out loud

He has: 1,380 posts

Joined: Feb 2002

lol i'll keep that in mind

Want to join the discussion? Create an account or log in if you already have one. Joining is fast, free and painless! We’ll even whisk you back here when you’ve finished.