Linux & Windows

[pgrmdave]

I need to run Windows because most of the games that I play are written for Windows, but I would like the security benefits of Linux. Is it possible to run both operating systems on one computer, using Linux for most of the time, and running Windows when I want to play games?

[Killean]

Absolutly possible. I downloaded Slackware linux a while ago and installed it on my laptop. Slackware (not too sure about other distros) comes with boot loader software which at startup will let you choose which OS you want to use.

[Aki]

You can have a dual-boot

[pgrmdave]

Would there be any likely/possible problems with it? Would I still be able to access the internet if I use a wireless connection via a router which is also sending information to other Windows computers?

[Killean]

Linux like windows uses ports to transfer information, most types of linux should be able to scan the ports and find one that is active. I too use a router, without questioning how I was able to connect. Wireless I think is like a cabled connection only a piece of hardware converts the information into radio signals and back again.

For a more detailed responce you might need to wait for our friendly neighborhood Linux wiz.

[alexander]

Ok, it is absolutely possible to have both, with no problems. What you need is a boot loader, and what beter boot loader can you get than grub ( http://www.gnu.org/software/grub/ ). Wireless, ofcourse you can set it up, and it's not hard, and however the steps are different for most distros, it is possible with most.
As to installing the boot loader, if you wanted to setup Gentoo Linux, you can download the gentoo handbook, setting up the boot loader is one of the sections, also there's lots of documentation about grub online too, so you wont get lost there.
And lastly, why Grub? simply because if you were to repartition the drive, other boot loaders would die and not allow you to boot = pain, Grub will give you a basic command line that will allow you to boot no matter what...

[nemo]

At the moment, I'm typing on an emachines m6811 (laptop) that is dual-booted between Fedora Core 3 and XP. I agree that Grub is the way to go for boot loaders, although I've used Lilo with sucess as well. If you are new to Linux, I'd suggest Mandrake or Suse as a good 'introductory' distribution. I prefer Fedora because I do a fair amount of development and although it's a heavy distro (4 CDs or 1 DVD) - most of the toys I use are included. In my experience, Mandrake has been the best for providing ex-Windows users with familiar point-and-clickety interfaces.

[Tormod]

I have a Suse 9.1 ("Personal") distro on a DVD that came with the PC Format magazine...is that worth trying out? I ask because I really don't have the time to try all of the different distros there are...

[maddog]

Originally Posted by Killean

Absolutly possible. I downloaded Slackware linux a while ago and installed it on my laptop. Slackware (not too sure about other distros) comes with boot loader software which at startup will let you choose which OS you want to use.

I am told by people who have do it that Slackware is the best version of Linux to mantain
as a dual boot. Also if you're going to do only use Win2k (w/latest sp) or XP (w/ same).
This is safer and more realiable. Anything else is just playing russian roulette with five
bullets.

Maddog

[Tormod]

Okay, follow-up question. I have limited space on my harddisk, which is 80 gigs but partitioned into 3 sections already to save time for backups etc. I have a second 60 GB drive which I use for backing up important data etc.

But I only have 8 gigs left on my C drive...I guess that is not enough to install Linux and still have a working version of Windows XP...or?

I just want Linux to try it out for surfing, writing and web authoring. I use Windows for music production, games, and photoshop work. None of my music apps work in Linux but I have heard there are some good graphics apps in Linux (GIMP?).