Mandrake 9.2 Partition, Free from Windows
 

Hi all,
The more I use windows the more I hate it. I am trying to switch to Linux (I have mandrake 9.2). However, it is going to take me a while to get used to it, so I am wondering what I can do in order to creat a swap partition where I can share files? I know this question is somewhat answered, but I am still not clear on how to do it? Also, where can I get this Partition Magic everyone is talking about?

thanks.

v333k

Partition Magic
From you favorite computer store or online software source.
http://www.powerquest.com/

The best way to share files between the two OS's is to create a FAT32 partition. BTW your use of the term swap paritition could be misleading to people. If you are using W2K or XP your parititions are probably NTFS. You will need to resize the existing drive(s) to make room for linux and to create an additional partition for sharing files.

FYI a swap partition is the same thing as virtual memory or pagefile on a windows system. In windows its a file within an existing drive. In linux its a whole seperate partition which makes it faster.

The Mandrake install can resize your partitions(s) that you have (defrag first!), so I wouldn't waste the money on partition magic. I have also read several horror stories about it as well.

If you don't really have anything worth saving in Windows, you can pre-partition as you like with the free Ranish Partition Manager, format the fat32 filesystem that both Windows and Linux can write to, install Windows, then Linux.

Some steps for you to help climb the learning curve.

# Pre-installation guides
GNU/Linux pre-installation checklist
The Pre-Installation Help File

# Linux filesystem structure
Directory Navigation Help File
Filesystems, Directories, and Devices Help File
Advanced filesystem implementor's guide (requires registration)

# Partitioning
Linux Partition HOWTO
Rute - Partitions, File Systems, Formatting, Mounting
Proper Filesystem Layout

# Mandrake links
Mandrake home page
Mandrake Users website
Easy urpmi config for Mandrake
urpmi mini-HOWTO
All You Ever Wanted to Know About Urpmi But Never Dared Asking Before
Maximum RPM
rpmfind
You didn't install the developmental packages? As root, command:
urpmi gcc
An Introduction to the Midnight Commander. You can install it by commanding:
urpmi mc
Midnight Commander home page

Please report any broken links.

Thanks,
I will work on it soon.
I also have another question. My friend has RedHat (not sure which version) and she wants to change the boot menu so the boot loader displays RedHat to be the default option. I tried doing to it the same as I did to my mandrake:
1. going to the /etc directory.
2. changing the default OS.
3. typing 'lilo' were it updated everything.
It didn't do that! Does RedHat have a different command?

what should I do. The file that was closest to my lilo.conf was lilo.conf.anaconda ? does this mean something that I still don't know?!
thanks
v333k

Redhat uses grub.

Edit /boot/grub/grug.conf and either change the default number or move the Red Hat stanza to the top of the list.

Installing a bootloader
Multiboot with GRUB Mini-HOWTO
Linux+Win9x+Grub HOWTO
KNOPPIX Linux Live CD

# Red Hat links
Red Hat Linux Manuals
Get your mp3 support here
Maximum RPM
rpmfind
Easier software management: apt4rpm - Red Carpet
Red Hat 8.0 Tips & Tricks

# Red Hat 7.3 down configuration commands
setup leads to several configuration tools

# Red Hat 7.3 up configuration commands
Configure soundcard:
redhat-config-soundcard
Configure X server:
redhat-config-xfree86
Configure network:
redhat-config-network
Manage software:
redhat-config-packages
Red Hat Linux 8.0 Package Management Tool
Red Hat 9.0 Package Management Tool
Manage users
redhat-config-users

# Handling NTFS
New Technology FileSystem (NTFS) HOWTOs
Linux NTFS project

Hi,
While I was checking things out, I found the directory root/mnt/windows which allowed me to access and copy files from the "windows partition". Would this be called my swap part of the HD? also I wasn't able to write files to that folder, just read from it (unless I was doing it wrong), so I am assuming it is not a FAT32 formatted partition. Am I right? It kept giving me a message saying that the file is a read-only file.
One more quesiton, my terminal name is quite long. It almost reaches the center of the terminal. it is xxxxxxxx@localhost [folder_name] % can I change it to display a shorter message?
thanks in advance,
v333k

the /mnt/windows is the mount point for your windows partition. NTFS partitions are read-only in linux... It's just the way it is, that's why you need a Fat32/Fat16 partition to write to so your windows OS will be able to read it.

your terminal name is the name of your machine. Go into the mandrake Control center and run through the wizard under networking. At one point you can set your DHCP name (its a check box that you have to scoll down for to enable the text box), input a shorter name that you want, and do the same for the DNS name. I am sure that someone will tell you which network config file to edit, i just not remember it off the top of my head.

Thanks,
I have another question for anyone to answer. I might be able to figure it out, but I don't know that much in linux to feel that free to mess around. Anyway, when Mandrake loads up, it pauses for a while at the eth0 trying to creat a connection with the network card. However, it takes a very long time to pass that. I am using a wireless card, so normally I don't have that connected. I am assuming it times out after trying several times. Is there a way to either disable that or make it shorter to detect?

Once more,
Thanks
v333k

The only way that I would know how to change eth0 is in your configuring your computer. You can deactivate the eth0 and reboot. See if that works.. If you have two network cards (eth0 & 1) you would be able to still get to the network, if not, you would have to re-activate the card b4 you try getting on the network.