First post i want to install linux and have it boot with xp i'm not very sharp with commands my hdd is 60g.any simple way.

Its nice to see new linux users out there! The first thing you should do is back up your important data on your windows partition! (I'm assuming that windows is already installed??) Then, of course, choose your flavor. Fedora is my choice, the new F10 is pretty user friendly. Ubuntu is always a good choice as well. Might wanna stick with one of those for starting out

--scott

Yes windows is already on it.I was wondering if it would auto part on your hdd that would make it so easy.thanks for the reply

Hi,

Which version of M$ Windows?

I would use the M$ disk management tools if it's 'M$ Vista'. You should use the M$ disk tools to defrag & resize the partition on the hdd. You could then use the GNU/Linux tools to partition the hdd to suit your distribution install. You could do a LQ search as I know this subject has been covered.

Alright, I know for sure that Fedora 10's installer can resize your Windows NTFS partition. Not a big Ubuntu user, so I can't attest to its installer. Either way, you'll need to resize the partition, to allow space for Linux. If by auto, you mean over a graphical interface, then yes, you can do that.

Another option is to use a livecd to partition. GParted is a powerful program used to deal with many partition types and filesystems.

Personally, I would recommend using the GParted LiveCD. In any case, its good to have one handy just in case something takes a bad turn. Download that, burn it to a disc and boot from it. It will prompt for some language info, you should be able to just hit enter for its prompts. Eventually you'll get to a graphical interface, there, you can resize your NTFS partition. Its even as easy as dragging the slider to the left and shrinking the partition. Don't create any new partitions in the space that is left, the installer will take care of that. I would say no less than 10 GB should be left for Linux.

When you download, burn, and boot from your install disc (whether Fedora or Ubuntu), you should choose for the installer to "use empty space" on the hard drive, don't go around erasing stuff, thats no fun In any case, do post back with more questions, and I'll do my best to give you a hand!

GParted LiveCD: http://gparted.sourceforge.net/download.php
Fedora 10: http://torrent.fedoraproject.org
Ubuntu: http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu/download

Good luck!

--scott

I should have mention i have the cd open suse v10.3.I was not sure last night so i aborted the install.It said to shrink windows part to 20.2gb.Ok i chicken out but i believed that means that windows will still remain and can be used.Is that correct.

It depends on where you "chickened out".....Why not try it?

If you have a Windows install disk, and you backup your data, there is really not much risk in installing Linux. In this situation:
1. Verify that Windows is working.
2. Proceed to install Linux on a new partition (the installer will do this.) The Linux installer should detect Windows and automatically set up the dual-boot.

PS:

A REALLY SAFE way to try Linux (other than Live CD) is to buy and install a 2nd hard drive. (~$50)

I didn't know you were going for SUSE. Its not by any means a bad distribution. You can do SUSE, too if you like! Don't get the wrong idea...Fedora and Ubuntu are just suggestions.

Your windows data should be fine. Most installers do all of the partitioning at once, so unless you managed to cancel a partially partitioned disk, you should be fine.

--scott

I did cancel and windows did a chekdisc and redid my hard drive it works like it did before so i think it's ok,i don't have a window install disc as i bought the computer through my wife's work and it was on a server so i had to add memory 512mb,i had bought this program a year ago and tried to install it on windows 98 it didn't work well because i think memory and proce.speed but i have a pent 4.And i think your right i do like the 2 programs you memtion.

A few suggestions

Here is a standard reference for dual booting.

http://apcmag.com/howto_category.htm?cid=198

I assume you have some Windows other than Vista. Before you begin to move the boundaries of your Windows partition, you should defragment Windows. This groups the Windows files at the beginning of its partition, avoiding loss when you make room after Windows by shrinking it from its upper end. Windows naturally wants to be on the first partition, with its Master Boot Loader at the beginning. Do you have the ability to make a Windows backup CD from your installation? With XP, there may be a hidden Windows partition with a restore copy, or the possibility of making a CD if you have SP3 installed. Try to find out.

A copy of Parted Magic or GParted live-cd will allow you to look at and move your Windows partition, and format the freed space for linux.

You may have the same tool in a linux installation, but you may find the live-cd approach a little more predictable.

If you are using a partitioning tool for the first time, you do need backup and enough information about your Windows partition to restore it, that is to know exactly what it is, and where it is, and how to do it. I therefore recommend you use a partitioning live-cd to look and note, and then google if you don't understand what it all means. You don't have the chance to re-install Windows, and if you can restore it, it will need the same partition scheme that it was installed on.

I must say that your post would be easier to read and understand if you wrote shorter sentences and were more careful with your punctuation.

Good Luck