Hi I just learn how to use VMware ,configure bootloader ,install new kernel ,nividia driver and do many wonderful thing with mandrake 9.1 ;
I am a computer science student and I just found out that Linux mandrake suite my need but not my dad and my younger bro;But that not the problem anymore because I had learn how to install and use Vmware .I currently install WinXp on VMware on my secondary (HDB)HD (mandrake .9.1).And I am very eager to install Mandrake on my primary HD(80G).But of course,I will have to install XP somehow for my dad who's occiansioanl use XP for his office need and My bro.And I was wondering will it be a good choice for a mandrake newbie.I mean to run on long term,and manintain .Because with window I could do whatever I want ,and I am doing petty well with linux too but to make it my main 0S is one thing because I am not that familer with it yet .Like system crush down and I may need to recover file (I don't care much about my file coz I make back up over the yahoo breifcase)but important file for my dad and his office material.I do have a P3 class extra computer in my house which my sister solely use.But because of speed ,lack of graphic and sound card in it make my dad use mine all the time.So anyway
here is my computer 's hardware
AMD anthlon xp 1700+
SDDRM 256
80G(HDA)
40(HDB)
NIVIDIA G-FORCE 2 MMX
SOUNDBLASTER CARD(DON'T KNOW THE TYPE)
LG FLATRON MONITOR
with this amount of memory ram(256) will it be nice to run XP on mandrake?(160mb for XP).
can mandrake communicate with other computer in the house(XP)?and if can, how?
If linux crash and won't startX (couldn't happen once) how can I fix it without reinstalling everything,can it scan itself for error and fix it on my command?IF can,how?
thanks !!
I would be waiting for any reply.....;

I've had 2000 "running" (if you can call it that)
on a similar machine, and no, it wasn't fun. I
don't think that XP is going to perform better
than 2000 with that RAM in a virtual machine.

You'll have big performance caveats, which
will primarily affect Graphics (I wouldn't try
playing games in a VMWare hosted XP ;})
and to some extent also HDD performance.

It could be OK for Word-processing and
Browsing, though.

[edit]
If you can, try to get a hold of 98SE ;}
[/edit]

As for the network: you can use the bridged
network option which will allow XP to act like
a separate machine on the same subnet.


Cheers,
Tink