Hello all,

I have recently been using Kubuntu Linux (5.10) on my laptop, and I am ready to try it on my desktop as well. However, my Desktop is a "production" machine, in that other members of my family need to use it for various tasks. Therefore, for the time being, I will need to maintain a dual boot configuration with Windows XP.

My system has a single 200GB SATA drive, which is formated for NTFS. I am planning to add a 2nd SATA driver, which I plan to install Linux onto. I know that the most straightforward solution is to let the Linux distro install GRUB and configure dual boot, but I would like to know ALL of my options so I can decide the best method.

I remember sometime back, with Redhat, being able to install Linux, but not installing a boot loader. Instead, a boot floppy was created, and whenever I wanted to use Linux, I booted off the floppy. What I would like to do is to create a bootable CD, which would boot Linux, which is installed on the 2nd SATA drive. Other alternatives that I would also consider would be booting off a USB Key Drive in lieu of a CD (my Mobo can boot USB devices).

Again, I realize most people's reaction would be to let GRUB do everything, but I want to see if my Boot CD is doable before making a decision along those lines.

Thanks in advance for any input!!!!!

ALL the options????
Search here on LQ for some recent threads on Windows-based methods.

For a real, mind-bender, check this out:

http://www.justlinux.com/forum/showt...hreadid=143973

I use GRUB on a floppy to dual-boot Windows and Ubuntu. Then I just read all these other methods for entertainment.....