Linux/Windows 98 Coexistence

[aratike]

I've been interested in adding Linux to my machine for a while now, and after reading the OS survey postings, I see it can peacefully coexist with Windows.

How does one go about setting all of this up? I'm assuming I need to set up a new partition on my drive, which I have never done, and install Linux there. I would also need to set up a menu(?) for choosing which OS to boot to, right?

Maybe all of this requires a little more advanced knowledge to accomplish and I should wait....

[Zacko10000]

You can get software to do this, like Partition Magic, I think one of the distributions comes with a partial version of it..I don't remember which, read a couple other posts, I think I saw someone say something about it. If you haven't bought your copy of linux yet, just go to www.linuxmall.com and get a 1.89 distibution or check Ebay for good deals

[Paulo]

Hi
Caldera's OpenLinux 2.2 comes with a graphical interface that do the partition needed, install the Linux O/S itself and at the end you have also installed the BootMagic which lets you choose Win/Linux at start up.
I have this set up here and it works all right.
I have even reinstalled COL 2.2 removing the previous Linux partition (1GB) and changing to a bigger one(2,5GB).
All of this with mouse clicks.

[CMonster]

I second that, Caldera 2.2 is an easy way to get started. Most new Linux distributions come with enough utilities to get the job done, but Partition Magic makes it easy.

[aratike]

Thanks for the help. I have been leaning towards the Caldera dist and it sounds like I'm leaning in the right direction! Will I need to format the HD and do the partion setup and rebuild from there?

[kwai]

the trick seems to be to install win9x first, and then linux after. redhat has a operating system loader called LILO, but not sure if the other distributions call it the same thing.

i'd recommend making just the windows partition(s) with fdisk, and leave the rest of the hd blank for linux to partition itself. or if you're using an existing setup, the linux installation can remove any unused partitions and make its own.

[SoopaStar]

I have installed a few flavors..trying to determine which is the easiset. If you are looking fora good startup lfavour of linux to try out, I would highly advise using Caldera Openlinux 2.2. You can pick a copy up at best buy for only $33...which is pretty good since I bought mine from Caldera's webpage for $50 just a month and ahalf ago (****!). It has a partition magic that loads and creates a partition for you. They way Caldera actually made their installer..its seems to me, was that it expected you to dualboot! The installer is the EASIEST I have EVER seen to install linux onto a box. Its completely graphical and all you need is to know your network settings (if you have them), what type of mouse you have, video card specifics (chipset or model/brand of card) and little things like that. Then, instead of just sitting there waiting for it to install you can actually play Tetris (or not..I did tho ). Enjoy!
Paul

[bkehoe]

Hi,
I have used RedHat 5 and 5.2 and SuSE 5.2. Both came with LILO and were eaqually user friendly. Suse comes with a pile of starter applications (I think 6.1 comes with 6 CDs!!).

Brendan

[This message has been edited by bkehoe (edited 06-28-99).]

[RobRich]

I use Slackware 3.3e, due to its optimized code and improved speed, but its setup interface is neither friendly or helpful. You even have to recompile it from source code to just get true OS level sound support. At any rate, the easiest installation I seen to date is RedHat 6.0 It's the easiest Linux box to setup (due to a great installation interface) and use. It also supports a broad range of hardware directly out of the box.