linux dual boot with ME

[groggy greg]

i hardly no anything about linux
the reason i want it is cause of the stability and the fact that im learnin to program and itd be fun to mess around with the open source code
i currently have windows ME on my computer and i want to set up a dual boot with winME and some version of linux
i dont know which version of linux to go with
i pretty much want the best version for advanced users that wont cost me a thing because i can learn quick but i theres no way i can afford any OS upgrade right now
file size isnt a issue cause i have dsl and a 30 gig hard drive that i reformated about a week ago so its pretty much clear
i know i need to repartition my drive but i have no idea how to do that
after that im clue less about what to do
id apreciate any advice thanks

[askrieger]

Personally, I like Mandrake because it's easy for beginners such as I. You need to download 3 iso images and burn them to cdroms. This is non-trivial. Check this site for relevant information.

My own advice would be to spend the $29 and get the boxed set. The manuals are worth it and you don't have to worry about whether you burned coasters when you have all sorts of other things to worry about. (I have absolutely no connection to Mandrake, which is a French company).

[ASCI Blue]

I'd suggest Mandrake or Lycoris, I've heard Lycoris is a great distro for newbies (nothing wrong with being a newbie btw) and I can say Mandrake is a good distro as well since it's the one I started with.

[groggy greg]

ok but how do i setup the dual boot thats where i really need the help

[fancypiper]

Check the installation NHFs (http://linuxnewbie.org/nhf/Installation) on this site.

There are several installation HOWTOs (http://www.tldp.org/HOWTO/HOWTO-INDEX/os.html#OSINSTAL) that cover almost all situations as well.

The Partitioning HOWTO (http://www.tldp.org/HOWTO/mini/Partition/index.html) should guide you through partitioning concepts.

Does WindowsME run on the FAT32 or NTFS filesystem? You can have a few more hoops to jump through if it uses NTFS.

[mdwatts]

Also checkout the partitioning tutorials at http://www.linuxplanet.com/linuxplanet/tutorials/

Whatever distro you decide to install will most likely have installation procedures available at their website.

Searching Google for Linux ( www.google.com/linux ) for i.e. "dualboot linux windows" will also find loads more tutorials etc.

[Saptech]

Does WindowsME run on the FAT32 or NTFS filesystem? You can have a few more hoops to jump through if it uses NTFS. [/B]

FAT32!