ASAP:Help with Linux Partitions...Total Linux newbie!

[RoboDude]

Hello dudes...

Well I have finally had it with WinME!!! :mad:

Ok,so... I downloaded Mandrake8.0 ISO. Backed up all my stuff. And I'm ready to install linux...but...

I don't know how should I go about the partitions. I have 2HD, one is 15Gs the other is 30Gs. I had WinME on a 1G partion(C) on the first drive and the rest of the space(D) on that same drive I left for programs. On the other drive I had two partitions,(E)-for games only, and (F) for MP3s,Downloads,Docs,etc..

(1)Knowing that how should I set up the partitions for a dual boot? Using Win98SE and Linux.

(2)Do I make all the partitions using FDISK? FAT-32?

(3)After I make all the partitions do I install Win98SE? or Linux first?

(4)Do I use LILO or LOADLIN? If I use Loadlin I assume I would install win98se, download LOADLIN, set-it up, and the install linux?

(5) Please ADD more stuff...about partitons and dual booting and stuff I forgot about...


I'm sorry if its a lenghy post...
PLEASE HELP ME OUT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE! I haven't slept yet backing up all my stuff... :P

THANKS!! Ooo I'm new to the fourm and to LINUX..

[bdg1983]

After I make all the partitions do I install Win98SE? or Linux first?


You don't have to blow away your current partitions. The expert install mode of Mandrake should allow you to resize your existing fat32 partitions to make space for Linux.

You could probably use the 1st HD and decrease the 'D' partition by ?? 5GB thus creating free space where you can create the '/' root partition and a swap partition.

The installation of Mandrake should detect Windows and setup dualboot for you automatically.

Read up from www.linux-mandrake.com (http://www.linux-mandrake.com) as the online guides should describe the install and partitioning process in a little more detail.

You could also install to your 2nd HD although I think the 1st would be easier for you.

[RoboDude]

hmmm...

Doesn't that destory the data on the D drive?

[bdg1983]

You don't want to delete the 'D' partition, but only resize it to free up space to install Linux. I don't think you have any other choice.

I've never used Mandrake 8, so I don't know what partitioning tools are included. I always use Partition Magic. Suggest you read the install manual to find out what options you have or hopefully some of our Mandrake experts can share their experiences.