Ok, Newbie (both to this forum AND Linux!) here. So please help
The other day, I made a good (common?) mistake as a newbie: Installed Linux(mandrake) and caused Windows(XP) to _Not_ boot. (Wow.)
In this post, I won't ask how to fix it since I'm kinda sick of reinstalling WindowsXP (glad I separated the OS from my data, still could save it!) - so, a complete workaround advice is needed! All I'm wanting to do on Linux is (a) Learn (b) Learn more (c) Learn some more (d) (long term) put linux on the back of my hand.
I'll 'partition' my questions, so feel free to respond to any/all as able...
Firstly, my specs that matter: Maxtor 60gb 7200rpm as Primary-Master, Sony CDRW on Secondary-Master, and a good'ol 3.5 floppy. Only have 2 IDE channels (ata/100).
(A) I'm planning to get another HDD, *exclusively* for Linux! I'm considering a Maxtor 40gb 5400rpm. I won't be running hdd-intensive stuff (video,etc)
Would the 5400rpm be sufficient for all general purposes? I don't want too much heat in my system. Also, would there be any performance degradation if both HDDs were on the same (primary) ide channel - especially while using Windows (general, games, etc)?
(B) I read in some posts that it's possible to put Linux-HDD as Primary-Master, then WindowsXP-HDD on the Primary-Slave, then make GRUB/LILO trick XP ... If I do that, then proceeding to the partitions dilemma:
i. All the linux-related partitions (/, /boot, /swap, /[whatever] ) can stay on the Linux-HDD, right?
ii. If, following (i), I want to use multiple linux distros - there would be multiple '/' partitions, yes? Would the distros need their own /boot as well (pardon me, but a little help understanding the /boot is appreciated)?
iii. How about programs on /usr ... Would the distros (dreadfully) need to have their own /usr for the programs?
iii. I'm a little lost here ... if possible, do explain as whole (anything) if you like ... (wobbles and drops)
So, if humanly possible, please do assist.
Oh, I forgot, hi to everyone here!