Hello,

I'm attempting to load CentOS on my desktop which is already running WinXP.

I have a single 250Gig hd

What I would like to do:

Split the drive into two partions, one running WinXP & the second running CentOS 5.3

I would like to run WinXP as my primary desktop, and at the same time be able to open a CentOS desktop window session through XP and a Linux command prompt (kinda like an Xterm) and do file sharing between WinXP & CentOS.

My question is, is it possible to do this (all on the same hardrive) without having to purchase an additional hardrive? Will some VMware software do the trick? Is ZEN used for this?

I do not mind blowing away WinXP and reinstalling it if it would be easier.

thanks

There is no need to reinstall your XP. What you need is a virtualization software that will allow you to install CentOS inside xp. VMware is what you need.
If you do not mind rebooting your machine then you can dual boot as well. But you would not be able to use both os at same time and for this purpose you will need virtualization.

...or Virtualbox.

Indeed, +1

If you sign up on VMware's e-mail list, they send out $20 off coupons at least once a month. I got VMware Fusion for 50% off because I bought it the weekend of Black Tuesday and there were crazy sales everwhere online and in stores. That should help defray the cost of purchasing virtualization software just a little.