Re: Linux and Windows

Tech-Archive recommends: Repair Windows Errors & Optimize Windows Performance

Jeff Needle wrote:

> On Sun, 10 Jul 2005 16:18:27 -0700, KG <music@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>
>> Jeff Needle wrote:
>>> I'm toying with installing Linux in a partition on my WinXP system.
>>> Partitioning the disk makes me VERY nervous. I'm led to understand
>>> that, even after defragging my disk, FAT entries remain somewhere
>>> out
>>> in the middle of the platter, and partioning the disk could wipe
>>> out
>>> the FAT table.
>>> Any insights on this? Any safe way to experiment with Linux on my
>>> WinXP system? Thanks.
>>>
>> In my limited experience. I installed a separate physical drive and
>> installed Linux on that. That way you don't interfere with your
>> present Windows.
>
>
> I may have to do that.
>
> Thanks.
>
>
Or if you just want to play and experience Linux for free, download
Knoppix. Knoppix is a Linux distro that runs from cd. You can boot with
it, surf, write letters, mess around, and nothing will get written to
your hard drive. When you're tired of it, take the cd out of the drive
(go through the shutdown sequence first) and you'll have your Windows
intact. To get Knoppix, go to www.knoppix.net. You will need a fast
Internet connection to download it because it is big (~700MB) and
third-party burning software to burn the .iso. If you don't have
broadband (or a nice friend who does), the Knoppix people will send you
a disk for a small fee.

If you do decide you want to dual-boot, while I've never heard of the
partition issue you mentioned and I've dual-booted a lot, just buy
another hard drive. You can buy a 40GB one for around $50usd or even
less sometimes.

Malke
--
MS-MVP Windows User/Shell
Elephant Boy Computers
www.elephantboycomputers.com
"Don't Panic"
.

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