Here's my basical PC info:

Intel Celeron CPU 2.4GHz
512 MB RAM
80G storage

I newly rebuilt my PC because of virus, and I've uploaded all my documents to online storage...that makes my 80G harddisk almost empty. I'm thinking make some use of it...of course if 512 RAM is ok.... I'm excited about this idea:

I have Windows XP professional installed in disk C, I will use this disk for work.

Then, if possible, I'll install a mini Linux in disk D, I will use this disk for fun.

If anything happens in the future, I can formate disk D without any pain, and C is not going to be infected because it's a different system.
Here are my questions:

1. Is this possible?
2. If possible, how to swich between the 2 system easily without reboot PC?
3. Will it greatly slow down PC?
4. Antivirus/Firewall will take care of both OS, or they protect only the disk which they are installed in?

Thanks! Please tell me it's a great idea, then my disk C is going to be free from any virus because it'll be just for boring jobs.

Hi there,

I've never done it before but I'm pretty sure it's possible.

It shouldn't slow down your computer because when using Windows it will only be using disk C.

Take a look at the link below, it might give you some guidance.

XP and Linux Dual Booting Guide

Hope this helps,
Cornzey

If you only have one disk in your computer then it will require one extra step (partitioning). But if you have 2 disks in ur computer then you could just install the Linux distro to the other drive and then everything would (hopefully) be happy. If you have not yet choosen a linux distrobution, I would go for Ubuntu (or something in that family) It's not the smallest distro out there (if you want a really small one, check out "Damn Small Linux") but if you don't install a lot of programs then it won't take up too much space.

Thanks,cornzey and lhamil64! Great read on that link! "When there is a will, there is a way" :-) I'm going to try it :-)

lhamil64, I have one harddisk, but partitioned into disk C and disk D, I guess in my case I can install Linux in D without further partition?
I will study Ubntu family. I need one that cost less CPU. I read an artical about "Damn Small Linux", but I think maybe it's better install a standard one...it's a chance to learn Linux, if things works wonderfully, I'd change to Linux permenently.

Currently, I am using ZoneAlarm Security Suit(virus/spy/firewall), After install Linux, will ZoneAlarm work on the Linux system? or should I install ZoneAlarm again for this Linux system?

Nope Linux cant run windows programs out of the box though Anti-Virus of any sort is not needed due. I've never even seen a virus for Linux.

Thanks Cornzey, that was a great site...I now have Ubuntu and WinXP Pro on the same machine
with no problem....Didn't take all that long either.
Thanks again.

Edit: Also just finished the same with another computer...so double thanks.

check out Pclinux 2007

its amazing

So long as Windows is installed first to the first partition of the drive you can install as many LInux distros as you want following that. Windows does not play well with others and demands to be forst or it will wreck your MBR. It's not a big deal wrestling it back, but to avoid this scenario is best-case.

http://wubi-installer.org/ Used it without any problems at all, and can be removed through add/remove programs in windows.

I too used the wubi, it was a success and I am learning a new os, and if my windows crashes I got Linux Umbutu, enjoy!!

Yep. Easy.



Nope, you'll only be able to run one Operating System at a time. A system reboot is the only way to do this (unless you running a virtual machine like VMWare or something).



Nope, only one Operating System at a time will be up, will run just like normal.



No, AV will only apply to the OS you install it on. Matter of fact, unless you're using some third party application, Windows will not even be able to access the linux partitions.


Just some hints.
Install Windows first, then linux. Windows isn't very nice with the MBR, linux will install a boot loader(Grub or Lilo) that will let you pick between the OS's.
Use an easy linux distro if you're not familiar with it. I recommend something like Ubuntu:
http://www.ubuntu.com/

Let me know if you have any questions.


clester

A few things that might be useful:

A guide to using an existing WinXP install from Ubuntu w/ VMWare
http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=769883

A driver that gives Windows the ability to understand a EXT 2 and EXT 3 filesystem (2 of the most commonly used filesystems in Linux)
http://fs-driver.org/index.html

10 tips for after you install or upgrade Ubuntu
http://tombuntu.com/index.php/2008/04/25/1...upgrade-ubuntu/

Those should help get you started.

I would say, if u have two disk in your system then its not become difficult to install winzp and linux in one computer.