RedHat 7.2 / Windows XP Pro ... help?
 

Hello

I am new to Linux, and would like to install it on my system, but am having some trouble getting it to work with my current configuration. Here's my setup:

I have a 40GB hard drive that is currently partitioned as such:

Disk0 : 10.0GB - Primary Partition (used for windows XP / program files)
Disk0 : 4.65 GB - Unallocated space (will be used for Linux install)
Disk0 : 22.61 GB - Extended Partition Logical Drive (used for data files-graphics, mp3s, etc)

So basically, I would like to install Linux into the unallocated space that is 4.65 GB. (this should be enough space right?) ...

My questions are:

- What are the necessary partitions I need to make within this space for running linux (swap, /boot, / etc)

- Should I use ext3 or ext2 ... what are the differences between them?

- I would like to ideally dual boot between Windows XP Pro and RedHat. Is this going to be easily doable? Should I use LILO or GRUB?

Thanks so much in advance for your help

Chris

linux partitions: swap partition is definately advisable. perhaps 2x your ram capacity. the rest is up to you. there are advantages to using separate partition for boot or usr or home or var ... but it is not necessary. check out some of the howtos for more details http://www.linuxdoc.org/

ext3 is the same as ext2 but with a journal added. basically, if you power off your linux box (not a clean shutdown), you will not have any corrupt files (in theory). i have found that it works well on the 4 systems i have that use ext3.

GRUB is newer and seems to be more stable then LILO. it wouldn't hurt to do some research and deside for yourself.