It seems like everyone is tying to create a dual boot system, and everyone is having the same issues. I'm a Linux newbie so by nature I'm sure I'll mess up, most likely already have, but I am trying to instal Suse 10.2 on a Dimension 4600 i picked up using Paritition Magic and Boot Magic. I follow the instructions to create a new linux parititon, set up boot magic but when i start the computer, with the disc in the tray, and the system set to boot from the CD, i get a screen that tells me that to press F1 to retry boot and F8 to access bios.

When i just select linux when the system is set to boot normally, it takes me to a screen that says preparing to load linux, and then stalls. Sorry if there is a lack of technical information, what else will be helpful.

Thanks for all the help.

SWH

Why are you using these foreign software packages? SuSE has a superb partition utility on the Install Disk and a bootloader that works great called Grub. Each can be used in an expert mode if you require greater configurability based on your needs or hardware setup. I've never had a dual-boot issue using Grub.

If i have the computer set to boot from the CR drive would SUSE automatically start? Could I have gotten a bad copy of suse? missing something mabey?

Download and boot into pclinux. You will get a nice kde linux desktop. Go to the pclinux control center and setup your internet connection if necessary, some cable services will work out of the box with out setting anything up. Test your internet use firefox to surf the net. Check out your sound on some audio site. When you are satisfied all your hardware is working fine, click on the "install pclinux" icon and when the wizarp pops up opt for the expert install option. Make sure you have a swap partition (same size as your xp virtual memory), a root partition (denoted simply by a /) and format it in ext3. Leave your xp partition as is and proceed along with the installation. When you get to the bootloader section be sure you see an entry for xp and I recommend "grub". That should do it. I know SUSE is the big kamunda every one recommends, but believe me you will have a more hassle free go of it with pclinux and really the end goal will be the same. Pclinux has gnome also now if that to is your caveat.