PARTITION MAGIC win 98/linux mandrake 8

[pink skitz]

hi can i ask does P.M support the partitioning to install linux mandrake v8 (im currently using win 98) and around about how much space should be allocated for linux? :) :)

[bdl]

To be honest, I'd allocate a partition for Windows, let's say 40% of the entire hdd, depending on your drive size and needs, of course, and let Linux partition and install the rest of the drive as it sees fit. You can use PM to create the Linux partitions, but I wouldnt recommend it. If you already have a partition with Windows installed on it, use PM to resize it, leaving the rest of the HDD blank for Linux. Then stick the MDK CD in, let the installation program run its course and choose how much space to allocate to Linux, it should automatically create a '/', SWAP and '/home' partition. Then it will create filesystems on those partitions as necessary, and it _should_ recognize and automatically mount your Windows partition as well. MDK has a pretty nice way of partitioning the drives, and has never given me any trouble when I've installed it. If you want to change the way it partitions the disk, you can of course customize it yourself, but if this is your first install, just allow it to do it's thing until you can learn a little more on how much space you might need for '/home' or maybe add a seperate '/var' partition, etc.

Some Linux distros, like Slackware or Debian can be easily installed and made usable in under 100MB, for MDK you'll most likely want to have 4 - 5GB for the complete install. As most HDDs are over 20GB nowadays, it's pretty simple to install even a very bloated distro and have room to spare. Luck!


example partitioning scheme:

/dev/hda1: 4GB: FAT32: Windows
/dev/hda5: 5GB: EXT2: '/' (root)
/dev/hda6: 128MB: SWAP: SWAP
/dev/hda7: 500MB: EXT2: /home

[ 15 September 2001: Message edited by: bdl ]

[pink skitz]

geez thans alot for your help (im a total newb when it comes down to partioning drives and multibooting)
can i aslo ask do u know of any step by step guides over the net i can use to help me partion win 98 so as to i can then install mandrake 8 on my comp (cause at thge moment even though ive read various guids im still kinda not sure as to the firts steps i should take to creating a mult boot system.
(i have my copy of partion magic and mandrake but kinda rufuse to do anything with them unless im at least 80% sure of what im doing) incase i totally ruin the state of my comp :p

[snivlle]

Hello there:

The first thing you need to do is install PM in Windows.

Next, come back here and post the size of your hard drive(s) and how much free space is on it; or how much free space you can create if need be.

When I have that pertinent information, I can guide you through the rest of the procedure. It would be irresponsible or me to issue advice when I'm not firstly familiar with your current setup.

[pink skitz]

:) aight-will do (give me some time i just have to check my comps hardware to make sure its linux compatable) that way i get to avoid the extra trouble.^_^

[bdl]

One important fact I forgot to mention: ALWAYS BACKUP important data prior to monkeying with PM or any other partitioning tool. I've had pretty good luck in the past with PM, although I no longer have a use for it. Just install the app, resize the current Windows partition and you'll (hopefully) have room for Linux. You really don't need any 'step by step' info to use PM or install Mandrake, they're both pretty idiot-proof. ;-)

[Dark Ninja]

:D Yes - but when someone makes something "idiot-proof", someone else makes a better idiot. :D


Dark Ninja

[Lem Sip]

Partitioning, repartitioning and reinstalling Windows is something I know a bit about - working in a PC Repair shop as I do :)

I was thinking about an NHF for partitioning and installation for Win9x 2K NT4 so it could support dual booting.

IMHO a great deal; of the reason people don't try Linux is because they don't realise how easy Windows is to prepare for Linux to coexist with it.

I have some scripts I use to reinstall Windows (delete the Windows and program files directories) without pressing a key and I lose essentially no data.

I also heard that PC manufacturers are banned from selling Dual booting systems if they want Windows on their boxes. I think there's a need for it - would anyone want an NHF for installation and configuration of Windows prior to and after installing Linux? If so let me know and I'll start some documentation.

Lem