I fancy trying Linux while still using Windows XP. I have done this before while using Windows ME, but am a little rusty this second time around.

I have Partition Magic, i know i have to create a special partition for Linux to be installed into, but can i di this while still using Windows XP.

I should end up with a MENU to select OS at Boot up, but can this be done with XP already installed and installin Linux after Windows ?.

Any help/advice would be much appreciated, thanks.

what flavour of Linux is best ?, a million dollar question eh !. I would of course like to be able to read/write Linux files from Windows and vice/versa. i think i have to change to FAT32 for this to happen.

tim

Yes, it is entirely possible to dual-boot Linux and Windows.

As far as best version - I hear Ubuntu is great, but there's really no single best version. As for Windows/Linux interoperability, I can't say too much - just good luck, you're probably going to need it.

Ubuntu is fairly easy to install if Windows XP is already on your pc, the bootloader automatically creates a dual boot system setup for you.
Ubuntu is the most popular distro (distrobution) right now, and for good reason. It is free, and fairly easy to get used to.
You could pay for some versions of linux like Linspire that look like windows, but why would you want to do that? I'm in it to learn somthing new, not use the same ol same ol.

Thanks lad for that, so ubuntu it is then, but do i STILL have to partition my drive with a linux specific partition beforehand ?

TIM

Personally, i'd advise against dual booting.

Microsoft offer Virtual PC free of charge now...and i'd set up a linux virtual...that way you don't need to restart to play with it

Thanks for that Friend, so what is Virtual PC all about ?, never heard of that one, or is it for Vista only ?.

tim