I have just installed Linux 9. Before I had a Windows XP, so I partitioned the hard disk, so now I have both.
When I switch on my PC it comes up in Linux mode, and lets me select between Linux and DOS. However when installing I set the default to Linux and would like to set it back to DOS, until I learn more about Linux. Does anyone know how to do this?

I also have boot magic installed, but I had to disable it, as it did not recognise Linux. It was suggested that I choose to boot for all the remaining partitions, and that would boot Linux. However after trying to boot every single partition I only get a black screen, with the exception of the Windows XP partition.
My partitions are primary1, primary2, ext1, log1, linuxswap and primary3. I know that primary 3 is windows, and the rest is associated with linux.

My last question is. I am trying to connect to the Internet via Linux. I am using BT broadband with the Windows XP. However the installation software for BT broadband says it is not compatible with Linux. What does one use for Linux? Any suggestions? I guess this also means that my BT (Voyager USB) ADSL modem is also unusable for Linux? Is there something, that I could use with both? Also I don't really have the technical expertise, so it would be good to get something that would lead me through the installation process?

Thank you
Marika

If you use lilo as boot loader, you should edit /etc/lilo.conf and change the line:

default="linux_whatever"

with

default="windows"

Just keep in mind that the term "windows" should be replaced with the name of the "label" entry for your windows partition. My case:

other=/dev/hda3
label="win"
table=/dev/hda

would result in:

default="win"

Then save the file (I guess you have backed it up before manipulating it, dont YOU ?)
and run "lilo" in the command line:

# lilo

All of this as root user.

my lilo config file looks like this. Could you take a look, I realise I need to change another line or two, but not sure how, which.

prompt
timeout=50
default=linux
boot=/dev/hda
map=/boot/map
install=/boot/boot.b
message=/boot/message
lba32

image=/boot
label= linux
initrd=/boot/initrd-2.4.20-8.img
readonly
append="hdd=ide-sci root= LABEL=/"

other=/dev/hda1
optional
lavel=DOS

thanks, Marika

Change the third line to default=DOS, save the changes and then run /sbin/lilo . But the real issue is getting you online. If you're booting into Windows an using Windows you'll get better at using Windows. To help you sort out your connection you need to tell us what distribution you're using (Mandrake? Red Hat?) and what modem.

I am using Red Hat Linux 9. My current modem to connect to broadband is BT Voyager USB ADSL modem (external).
I have a built in modem HSP56 World Micromodem.

I do want to use broadband, and I realise I probably do have to purchase a new modem? But don't know which one. Also is there a modem via which I can connect to the Internet with Red Hat Linux and Windows XP?

Thank you for the help,
Marika

You should try the USB external before buying anything, don't you think ?

Plug it, reboot and try /etc/init.d/kudzu start
(kudzu is a hardware detection daemon. Maybe you have it already running and you don't need to start it manually as I said)

Post your feedback after it .
( issue "dmesg" command and see what's related)

Hey ludmann

other=/dev/hda1
optional
lavel=DOS

down the the botton of your config file you seem to have ´lavel´ instead of label... might help if you change that too.

Adam