Possible to have Red Hat Linux 9 and Ubuntu on same HD?

The Show · 03-11-2006, 01:50 AM

I recently downloaded Ubuntu and I was wondering if it's possible to install that on my HD as well as Red Hat Linux 9. At the boot screen, would it allow me to choose between Red Hat and Ubuntu?. Ubuntu has the newer version of Open Office and Firefox, and also has other programs which Red Hat doesn't hence why I'd like to use it. It also has the facility to update itself which is another reason I'd like to use it too.

Would I need to re-install Red Hat before or after installing Ubuntu or isn't it possible to have both on the same HD?

Thanks

Nylex · 03-11-2006, 01:54 AM

Of course you can have both on the same hard disk, they can even share the same swap partition. If there is no unpartitioned space on your hard disk, then you'll have to shrink your Red Hat partition to make space for Ubuntu.

The Show · 03-11-2006, 02:06 AM

Thanks, I have a 20GB HD and Ubuntu takes up around 2Gb at most, probably more when I add additional software, Red Hat 9 takes around 4Gb. I assume when the PC boots I'll be able to decide between the two.

Would Ubuntu automatically partition the HD as I've tried to do this manually, and can't get it to work correctly. A step by step guide would be useful.

Also, would it be recommended to format the HD, or leave it as it is (I have Red Hat currently installed as I mention) and if it is best to format it, which would be best to install first, Red Hat or Ubuntu?.

Thanks again.

syg00 · 03-11-2006, 02:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Show

Thanks, I have a 20GB HD and Ubuntu takes up around 2Gb at most, probably more when I add additional software, Red Hat 9 takes around 4Gb. I assume when the PC boots I'll be able to decide between the two.

Bad assumption(s) - very bad.
Attempting to guess the minimum space request is just foolish. My most recent Ubuntu (within the last week) occupies fractionally under 2 Gig - and I mean fractionally.
I gave it 4 Gig, with 4 Gig in reserve.
The setup may recognise your other install - maybe not. For example Ubuntu installer recognised (for want of a better word) my Win2k partition as RH9.
WTF ????.

Quote:

Would Ubuntu automatically partition the HD as I've tried to do this manually, and can't get it to work correctly. A step by step guide would be useful.

You have the option of using unallocated space during the install, as mentioned above.

Quote:

Also, would it be recommended to format the HD, or leave it as it is (I have Red Hat currently installed as I mention) and if it is best to format it, which would be best to install first, Red Hat or Ubuntu?.

Leave the RH there - just whack the CD in, and install.

The Show · 03-11-2006, 03:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by syg00

Bad assumption(s) - very bad.
Attempting to guess the minimum space request is just foolish. My most recent Ubuntu (within the last week) occupies fractionally under 2 Gig - and I mean fractionally.
I gave it 4 Gig, with 4 Gig in reserve.
The setup may recognise your other install - maybe not. For example Ubuntu installer recognised (for want of a better word) my Win2k partition as RH9.
WTF ????.You have the option of using unallocated space during the install, as mentioned above.Leave the RH there - just whack the CD in, and install.

I guess I didn't think through how much space it would take up, now you mention it, I do!.

Just tried to install and it gives me the option to manually partition or format the HD.It doesn't seem to recognise Red Hat on there(?). I have the recent Ubuntu install CD,

Again a step by step would be useful as I'm still fairly new to Linux.