Newbie! How should I attack Linux

[VirginLinux]

I got 60gb hd and want to install win2k & redhat with dual boot. How should I attack this installation? Which OS should I install first and how many partitions should I create before installation? Also how may partitions is normal for Linux. I know you have to have a /boot and /, what about others? Which ones are most recomended? Thanks. I am fairly new at linux and have little understanding of linux partitions.
:confused: :confused:

[Danger Fan]

well, first you do a google (http://www.google.com/linux?site=search&restrict=linux&hl=en&safe=off&q=installing+linux) search, then you go to the NHF (http://www.linuxnewbie.org/nhf/intel/installation/index.html) on installation, then you can check out the linux documentation project (http://www.linuxdoc.org/HOWTO/Installation-HOWTO/index.html) for their installation HOW-TO.

as for partitions, you need at least one for windows. For linux you need a swap partition (which is generally twice the size of your ram, and one for /. you don't need anymore, but you can make one for /boot, or something else if you like.

good luck

dANGER

[j.harrison]

Here's the newbie plan:

1. Spend $25 at Walmart/Best Buy/CompUSA for Linux-Mandrake.

2. Install Win2K (use FAT32, I'm not sure if Linux can read NTFS, but I'll get to that later)

3. Set up your BIOS to boot from CDROM.

4. Insert Mandrake installation CD & reboot.

5. Answer self explanatory questions as Mandrake installs.

6. DrakX will do all of partition work for you, and you'll be dual booted when you're done. Just remember: when you're asked where you want Drake installed, the correct answer is "on the free space of my Windows partition". This choice will be offered to you by DrakX.

7. Once you're in Mandrake, you can access
your Windows partition from Linux by going to /mnt/windows, which Mandrake has thoughtfully prepared for you. If you install Wine (on the extension CD), you can run many of your Windows programs while in Linux. (This is why I said install Win2K with a FAT32 partition).

8. Have fun!

For much more detail on the Linux-Mandrake distro click here! (http://www.linux-mandrake.com)Don't forget to check out the demos section.

:cool: Drake 8 :cool:

[demetrius]

With Windows 2K/NT/XP you are better off installing Linux first, then Windows. The NT kernel prefers booting from its own boot loader. As far as partitioning, I'd do something like this if I were you:

/boot = 10MB, ext2
/Win2K = 5GB, NTFS
/ = 10GB, ext2 or ReiserFS
/home = 2GB, ext2 or ReiserFS
/swap = 256MB, Linux Swap
/FAT32 = remaining space FAT32 to share between Win2K and Linux

Check out some how-to's for a description of how to install lilo on a Linux/NT dual boot. You will need to add Linux to the Win2K boot loaders menu. When you choose Linux from the Windows boot menu it then sends you to lilo to boot Linux. Or you can put lilo on a floppy and boot Linux from a floppy rather than messing with the Windows boot loader. Either way, with this setup DO NOT put lilo on the MBR or you will no longer be able to boot Windows.