installing ubuntu, but some questions...

[amr2d2]

i have been considering for a while when i was making plans on building a pc whether to run windows or linux. when i had finally got around to getting the comp together, i ended up shelling more $$$ on XP. so i went through the whole process of installing it, didnt partition the HDD so the whole C drive dedicated to xp.

anyway, after much thought and annoyances that always come up on XP, i feel like i want to give linux a try, and after much reading through the forums i flipped a coin and will be going for ubuntu as opposed to SUSE linux 10.

to the point of this post, is it possible to partition the HD now after having installing XP and every other bit of software that i want to keep and use the rest for Linux? my HD is a seagate 250GB, ideally i would want to keep about 200GB for XP which i will still run for gaming and Photoshop CS2, and the remaining 50GB to Linux.

is it possible to partition the HD at this point, or will i have to do a fresh reboot of XP and partition the HD at that point.

i really hope i dont have to start from scratch, format everything and install everything again. if so, can anyone tell me how to do it or point me to a helpful website.

much appreciated.

shing

 

[imported_LoKe]

Partition Magic does this, IIRC, but it's risky.

 

[Nothinman]

I believe most Linux installers will let you resize existing partitions, but it's always best to have a good backup first just in case.

 

[doog519]

amr2d2
I have never installed Ubuntu on a drive with windows. But I have using Suse...And when you install Suse it will go through the partitoning for you. It will ask you what size you would like to make your Linux partiton. And install a grub bootloader so you can choose your os on boot.
I prefer Suse over Ubuntu but I would suggest you try the live CD first just to see what you think.
By going with the live CD you will be able to tell if it is compatable with your hardware. And if you like it, then install it.

If you try Suse live CD try KDE and Gnome desktop so you can decide which one you like.

But be sure to backup important files on your windows partition. I have never lost any windows files but there is always Murphy's Law.

Only time I ever turn on a windows box anymore is to game.

Good Luck and keep use posted on what you decide.

 

[Robor]

I've resized my hard disk a few times with GParted. I recently wiped out the Windows portion of my dual boot and added it Linux. However, I had to run a command to allow Linux to 'see' the additional free space.

 

[SleepWalkerX]

I'm surprised I've only seen one mention of the GParted LiveCD so far! This linux based livecd allows you to resize your ntfs partition and make a linux partition right on the spot. Here's a link and here's a review that shows pictures of how it'll look when you boot. Its really easy to use when you boot it though.

Or why not just play around with Ubuntu's livecd for a while? It'll help you learn more about it without having to mess with partitioning at all, although you wouldn't be able to get cool stuff setup like XGL/Compiz easily since it'd erase on reboot. Either way though..

 

[Brazen]

Originally posted by: SleepWalkerX
I'm surprised I've only seen one mention of the GParted LiveCD so far! This linux based livecd allows you to resize your ntfs partition and make a linux partition right on the spot. Here's a link and here's a review that shows pictures of how it'll look when you boot. Its really easy to use when you boot it though.

Or why not just play around with Ubuntu's livecd for a while? It'll help you learn more about it without having to mess with partitioning at all, although you wouldn't be able to get cool stuff setup like XGL/Compiz easily since it'd erase on reboot. Either way though..

GParted is also included in the Ubuntu LiveCD. From what I hear, people tend to have better luck with the free GParted than with the pay-for Partition Magic. I know I've never had a problem with GParted, but I've never used the one on the Ubuntu LiveCD. I always use the "Alternate Install" disc for Ubuntu and use the GParted LiveCD beforehand. I just wish GParted would support LVM and software raid.

 

[nweaver]

I have never had much luck with partition magic, but I have with Gparted, which, as mentioned above, is included with the Ubuntu installer.

I would suggest trying live CD's for a while, realizing that they are much slower then an install would be.