[mnemonix]

I have absolutly no idea about Linux, the 'distros', all i know from people that ive talked to and what ive read about is that it is extremely reliable.

I have only ever known windows, 98 to start with, then XP. I have an expensive version of Windows XP Professional, and i dont want to waste it.

Is there some way that i can run windows inside of some linux 'distro, like RedHat or SuSE.

I just want basic information, but i cant seem to get it from the internet, everything assumes you have some previous knowledge of Linux.

Thanks...

[mixx941]

There's a program called VMWare that's like a virtural machine for Linux. You can run any OS inside Linux. But it is NOT free. Last time I checked it was VERY expensive.

http://www.vmware.com

-Mark

[mobo]

You could try starting with a bootable cdrom like Knoppix which when you boot from it is a live evaluation of linux. You operate as if the system is loaded on your pc but it isn't..You can download the iso file here then burn it to cd and try it..

[Master-Ceo]

alo see this post

Burn ISO Images in Windows XP

[lynch]

You can setup your computer to multi-boot both XP and Linux.There are many good docs out there to explain how to do this.A brief outline of the procedure:

• Choose a Linux distribution that's user-friendly like Redhat/Fedora,Mandrake or SuSE.
• Check your hardware against the distribution's Hardware Compatibility List.
• Make sure you have disk space or a 2nd hard drive to install Linux on.
• Scandisk and defragment your XP drive.
• Use a partition resizing utility like PartitionMagic or Mandrake's Diskdrake to resize the XP partition in order to make room for Linux.This will leave free space for the Linux installation.
• Ask us a bunch of questions if you get stuck.
• Dont give up too soon.

HTH
lynch

[mnemonix]

had a look for more information on you suggestions, all look a bit too pricey. Dual-boot sounds the most viable for my situation.

I have read that it can be hard to install both, something about XP overwriting LILO ????

I decided that i'll use RedHat, apparently it has more support etc that smaller distros.

I wondered if there is anything that is a important, (partitions ?)
if i install winxp and redhat.

thanks all for the quick replies...

[mobo]

As long as xp is installed first then the lilo boot loader will be ok..You will be given the opportunity to boot to red hat or dos.

[mnemonix]

.....also what is the difference between:

'RedHat Linux 9.0 Professional' £64.00
and
'RedHat Linux 9.0' £17.00

???

thanks

mnemonix

[mobo]

That I cannot answer but I had rin version 9 for quite a while and no problems with it.

[mnemonix]

is partition majic and similar partition programs nessecery?

cant you just use command or dos to set up the partitions before you install.

-----

also heard that linux must be the 1st 1024 sectors of the disk to boot properly?

is that right?

?

[mobo]

You can use a 98 bootdisk or the like to fdisk the drive and make two partitions. Install xp on the first and linux second ..There is no truth to the fact that linux must be installed first..I never once did that.

[ironskull]

Lindows linux has a program called: WINE that will fool windows programs into thnking they are running on a windows OS
Go to: www.lindows.com

[lynch]

If you have'nt installed either OS,then things get easier:
When you install XP first,make sure you create a partition large enough for your XP needs and leave the rest as un-formatted free space and let the Linux installation program use this free space for installation.No need for 3rd-party partitioning tools.You'll be given an option to preserve your windows installation.
HTH
lynch

[mnemonix]

how big will a partition need to be for RedHat Professional 9, with upgrades, updates, and packages in the future.

I have a 40GB drive, and space isnt critcal for me.

?2GB or 10GB?

thanks....

[mobo]

I would split it 25 for windows and 15 for Red Hat