I want to install linux on a 10GB partition of a 80GB drive that already has windows xp on it. The partition has not been formatted that I know of, but the other 70GB is the NTSF system. I know absolutely nothing about linux, but have heard rave things, so I want to give it a whirl. Can anyone explain how to do this in steps a dumb blonde can follow?

Thanks!! and emails are welcome...

Mrs Rands
mrsrands@yahoo.com

All you need to do is boot to disk 1 (cd) of the distrobution of your choice, and when it gets to the part about partitioning, click "use existing free space". It will at some point ask which OS you want to be the default, make that choice and you are on your way to computing enlightenment. :-)

Grab the disto that you want to install.

Follow the directions and start whatever setup program they have. Usually this entails booting from the cd and following the prompts.

Eventually you will get some kind of setup screen that asks you where you want to install Linux. This is where you pick the 10 GB partition (technically you will need to take some swap space out of that 10GB and make it a seperate partition).

Your best bet is to figure out which distro you want and then read their install howto/instructions.

Hi,

I can only speak for Red Hat since version 7, but there is not much to explain to get everything up and running...

Just insert the setup cd and reboot your system. All you have to do is follow the onscreen instructions. It will automaticly install a boot loader and configure everything to run your old OS (it will call it 'DOS' by default, but you can change it of course). You should read the help texts on the left hand side and you should be fine. You will have to choose between two bootloaders - i would recommend Grub, it is definitely easier to configure and looks cooler, too

...but if you really cannot get your head around one of the options to choose, you can come back here and ask about it - but have no fear, it is easier than you might think!


cheers,
Chris

doesn't sound too complicated, i'm going to give it a try!!

Thanks all!!