[PhillyLinux]

How difficult is it to set up my computer to have both Windows XP and Linux on the box? I do not have a copy of the factory loaded XP disk. Which build of Linux would be best for this? Thanks!

[lynch]

Any version of Mandrake after 9.1 can have it's installer non-destructively re-size ntfs-formatted partitions. Then you can install Mandrake ( or abort the Mandrake install after the re-size operation and install any version of Linux you want) on the free space created from the re-size.
Or re-size with partition magic.
But!:
Be sure to run chkdisk and defragment C:\.
Also be sure there isnt a hidden partition holding a copy of all your restoration data on the drive. You may want to save that or try to get the discs from the PC maker.
HTH
lynch

[PhillyLinux]

Will the free version work?

[lynch]

They're basically the same. The free version does'nt have the commercial app. It will still work.
lynch

[PhillyLinux]

I have been cruising around various mirror FTP sites and I am at a loss as to what files I need to download. I will probably just grab version 10 Official from http://www.linuxiso.org/

My goal is to migrate totally to linux, but I am being a sissy about jumping in with both feet right off the bat. THanks!

[PhillyLinux]

By the way, do I need the md files for anything? I thought I just needed the ISO files.

[lynch]

Yes, you should get the md5sums for each .iso file. Use one of the md5 calculator apps in my post:http://forums.techguy.org/t352330.html

[PhillyLinux]

THanks for the info. Am I correct in thinking that the purpose of the MD SUM files is to verify that the ISO file is not incomplete or corrupted? Also, from this I think that while important, they are not actually a part of the OS? Thanks again!

Plus, the MD5SUM files appear to be fairly small. Is that correct? Right now I am downloading Mandrake from two different servers & Knoppix from a 3rd. I don't wan't to start any more downloads just yet.

[lynch]

Originally Posted by PhillyLinux

THanks for the info. Am I correct in thinking that the purpose of the MD SUM files is to verify that the ISO file is not incomplete or corrupted? Also, from this I think that while important, they are not actually a part of the OS? Thanks again!

Yes, they are to verify the integrity of the downloaded file. If the md5sums match, then the download was successful. They are not part of the OS, just the ISO.

Originally Posted by PhillyLinux

Plus, the MD5SUM files appear to be fairly small. Is that correct? Right now I am downloading Mandrake from two different servers & Knoppix from a 3rd. I don't wan't to start any more downloads just yet.

Here's the content of one md5sum file:

7833f17c3fbe95581c48cf3848792d21  Mandrakelinux-10.1-Official-Download-CD1.i586.iso

1kb is all.
lynch

[PhillyLinux]

About a year ago, I started playing around with linux on an old computer. I must have wasted 100 cds writing corrupt or incomplete ISO files. Man, I sure wish I new about this MD5 checker then It works like a charm.

[PhillyLinux]

Once I set my computer up as a dual boot machine, will I be able to access files that are already on my hard drive? In particular, I am wondering about my music files. Thanks!

[scuzzle]

You mean to access your Window's files from the linux partition? Yes.

You will need to mount the Window's drive.