how to change distros

pocat · 09-13-2006, 06:55 AM

How hard is it to change distros?
do I need to completely reformat my hard drive?
I'm thinking that I'd like to try slackware, I'm currently using RH9.

thanks in advance this learning is keeping me awake at night.

still a

w3bd3vil · 09-13-2006, 07:32 AM

you can use slackware cds but be sure to use the latest ones, i think 10.2 not sure, though. When you start the installation just select custom layout and ask it to remove the previous linux partitions.
you could also keep both of them. just make sure you have enough of hdd space.

Penguin of Wonder · 09-13-2006, 11:27 PM

You'll have to atleast (if you don't dual boot) remove your /boot and /root. The slack installer will let you pick you /home, but it won't make you format it if you don't want too. You could back up all your settings out of your current /root, but you won't be able to just copy the old files back into your new install, because Slack and RH do things differently, but it will atleast allow you to remember how you did what you did.

pocat · 09-14-2006, 06:24 PM

thanks that is very good information. if I understand correctly I can copy my config type files to the /home/pocat directory and view them after the slackware install. I wont have much to save because I've only had rh on this machine for about 2 weeks.

Penguin of Wonder · 09-15-2006, 08:34 AM

You probably haven't done to much in two weeks anyway. You shouldn't have any trouble.