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General discussion

how do I install linux ?

Mar 7, 2005 9:21AM PST

I already have windows xp and would like to try linux. what do I do to install linux?

Discussion is locked

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First time?
Mar 7, 2005 9:31AM PST

Don't install it. Try a KNOPPIX CD since you can boot it and see if something is there you will like. Later you do more research to what distribution (a distro) you like, then you get the CDs and boot them. Suse 9.2 can resize partitions and install it onto your existing system but as always we always keep what we can't lose on the backups.

Bob

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Good suggestion, Bob...
Mar 7, 2005 1:10PM PST

Also, free download Mandrake CD#1 after version 9.x can also partition NTFS. You run it until after you complete partitioning, then hit the switch and install whatever you want.

If you have XP, defrag will NOT move all stuff to front of HD, you need special defrag utilities, there are free trials available. Some guy recently said he kept running XP defrag over and over and it did compress it, I tried it and it simply did not work that way.

Depending if your machine is Desktop, some folks install a second HD, install Linux on the whole HD, then use Bios Boot Order to select Linux or XP. Others plug and unplug HD.

Linux is about choice, so all are valid choices.

But, in any case, I am also an advocate of first trying Live CD's, then dual boot, and you will know when you are ready to defenestrate Windows.