I am a newbie here, i just downloaded and burn to disk a copy of Ubuntu. I know need to know how to partition my drive so I can have a dual boot system. Can you also tell which is the best software to use to partition my drive. i really wanna give this Linux a go...tired of XP...but won't be able to give it up. Thnx.
Partition For Linux Dummy
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How many partitions do you have on your drive now? If you have another one Windows isn't installed on, you can delete it and make it smaller in Disk Management, and then you will just have to Install Ubuntu on the free unpartitioned space.
If you only have one partition, then it gets complicated. You can resize partitions with programs like Partition Magic or Acronis Disk Director, but these will cost a bunch of money. There are free botable programs, but these can be less reliable.
If you only have one partition, then it gets complicated. You can resize partitions with programs like Partition Magic or Acronis Disk Director, but these will cost a bunch of money. There are free botable programs, but these can be less reliable.
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SystemRescueCD (link in my sig) gparted, easy to use, can shrink/expand NTFS partitions, I've used it successfully. And it's free. If you need to make ANY new partitions, before you do anything with your current one, be sure to defragment it. And then back up any important files.
Thank you all for your help, i really appreciate it, but while trying to partition my disk, found out that i only have 15gigs left on my hard drive......guess i am gonna have to delete some stuff.....just can't decide which porn to delete.:4-dontkno
I have Linux on a 15 GB partition with 768 MB of swap, and it is fine. I have installed a ton of programs including a bunch of 3D games, and I store MP3s on my Linux partition, but have only used 8 GB. You will be fine. Make the swap ~1 GB, and use the rest for Linux. BTW, format it as ext3.
Ok Guys.... I am somewhat Computer illiterate (Thanx for this forum). Could you post step by step how I can partition my drive without meesing up my comp. I used this comp for work too, can't afford to loose anything. I know I can always back up, just don't have anything or enough dvd to back up about 60gig. Thanx.
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Jeepers -
We could take the top three or four Linux threads this morning and put them all together! I hope you guys are reading the other threads.
Ring Tone, you just hi-lited your first step. Back up the data you can't afford to lose.
Ca you do what pdxireland is gonna do - pull the HDD's and play with an old one? Trying to set up a dual-boot is not repeat not rocket science. But there are so many variables that the likelihood of failure the first time is high.
Actually, what's most likely is that you'll be just one tweak away from success but you panic because it looks like Windows disappeared and then you make a bad move. Then it really is screwed up. :upset:
I don't think anyone's asked - how much RAM you got? If it's over 1GB, swap isn't really much of an issue unless you're really pushing the PC hard. You still oughta build a swap, but just make it a GB or so and don't worry.
GPLCD has worked great for me on several partitioning projects. Discussed in the other threads.
Forums are a great alternative to going to the library, but trying to transfer experience and/or knowledge can be frustrating. One of these days we'll all have broadband, two or three PC's, webcams, etc. and will be able to do remote installs or at least look over your shoulder while you're installing Linux. That'll be great, cause I'm still on dial-up!
We could take the top three or four Linux threads this morning and put them all together! I hope you guys are reading the other threads.
Ring Tone, you just hi-lited your first step. Back up the data you can't afford to lose.
Ca you do what pdxireland is gonna do - pull the HDD's and play with an old one? Trying to set up a dual-boot is not repeat not rocket science. But there are so many variables that the likelihood of failure the first time is high.
Actually, what's most likely is that you'll be just one tweak away from success but you panic because it looks like Windows disappeared and then you make a bad move. Then it really is screwed up. :upset:
I don't think anyone's asked - how much RAM you got? If it's over 1GB, swap isn't really much of an issue unless you're really pushing the PC hard. You still oughta build a swap, but just make it a GB or so and don't worry.
GPLCD has worked great for me on several partitioning projects. Discussed in the other threads.
Forums are a great alternative to going to the library, but trying to transfer experience and/or knowledge can be frustrating. One of these days we'll all have broadband, two or three PC's, webcams, etc. and will be able to do remote installs or at least look over your shoulder while you're installing Linux. That'll be great, cause I'm still on dial-up!
I would agree that you should have not try a dual boot with your daily main OS for a first Linux installation, and before you actually know the basics about Windows and Linux that you'll be dual booting. Dual booting is more of an experienced aspect and its much more difficult to troubleshoot than just a Linux installation or a Windows one. If you later received Win bootup errors they will be complicated to troubleshoot rather than following the basic guide issued by MS; which is still seen as pretty difficult by users.
If you insist, then be prepared to not have a working computer for 2 or so weeks - which is the worst scenario when dual boot setups go wrong.
On Linux forums individuals mess up the dual boots all the time and you'll see the trouble they get into. The common scenarios are with beginners and concerning partitions, display or additional devices.
Have a think about it, and let us know what you wish to carry out and then we can advise further
If you insist, then be prepared to not have a working computer for 2 or so weeks - which is the worst scenario when dual boot setups go wrong.
On Linux forums individuals mess up the dual boots all the time and you'll see the trouble they get into. The common scenarios are with beginners and concerning partitions, display or additional devices.
Have a think about it, and let us know what you wish to carry out and then we can advise further
Kalim, Bartender and all you wonderful guys at Tech Support.... Thank you so much for all the help and advice, it was priceless and I m grateful. Unknown to me, the Ubuntu/Linux that I downloaded and burned to cd, came with a install on it. It Partition mt drive and also added the second partition also. I now have it up and running and I am loving Linux.
My problem that I now need help with is; I need to be able to connect to the internet via my wireless LAN. I guess I am gonna need help in installing a Anti-Virus Software too.
My problem that I now need help with is; I need to be able to connect to the internet via my wireless LAN. I guess I am gonna need help in installing a Anti-Virus Software too.
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you put it pretty good!:grin:
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You have an HP with MS Media Center. Exactly the sort of PC that could get someone into trouble with all the extra partitions and proprietary crud on the HDD. Yet your installation was trouble-free. ray:
I've come to the conclusion that there is some sort of cosmic variable that determines who will have a painless install and who will go down in flames. One person tosses the CD into a PC that should give him grief and has Linux working 20 minutes later. The next poor soul has nothing but trouble.
Maybe it's aliens or the government or the Van Allen Belt. :sigh:
Yeah, Ring, find out the exact wireless card (actually, it's the chipset on the card that must be identified) and hopefully we can make something happen.
ray: I've come to the conclusion that there is some sort of cosmic variable that determines who will have a painless install and who will go down in flames. One person tosses the CD into a PC that should give him grief and has Linux working 20 minutes later. The next poor soul has nothing but trouble.
Maybe it's aliens or the government or the Van Allen Belt. :sigh:
Yeah, Ring, find out the exact wireless card (actually, it's the chipset on the card that must be identified) and hopefully we can make something happen.
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