Windows XP Pro SP2 to Linux

[Jimit87]

Dell Desktop.
intel P4 2.00GHz CPU
nVidia MX420 64MB
768MB Ram
120GB HD
Cable internet service.

So now i am thinking about using Linux with my Windows XP Pro. SP2

1) I will first install Windows XP Pro SP2
2) While installing Windows XP Pro SP2, how do i make partition so i can install linux later on? Detail description needed.
3) I will install all the drivers and my internet service, Cable, i will be needing on Windows OS
4) I will then install Linux, Ubuntu 6.06.
5) Will i need to install all the drivers again? Will i need to install drivers for my VGA card, and other hardwares on my comp? (i checked on dell website and couldn't find Linux drivers for any hardware) But i did find the driver for my VGA on nVidia's official website.
6) Will i need to install internet service,Cable on my Linux OS again?
7) How do i dual boot my OS? Will my comp give me option when i turn on my comp autometically, without installing any other software?

Answer them in #s.

Thank you.

 

[kamper]

Originally posted by: Jimit87
Dell Desktop.
intel 2.00GHz CPU
nVidia MX420 64MB
768MB Ram
120GB HD
Cable internet service.

So now i am thinking about using Linux with my Windows XP Pro. SP2

1) I will first install Windows XP Pro SP2
2) I will install all the drivers and my internet service i will be needing on Windows OS
3) As told by a friend of mine, i will use Magic Partition to partition my Hard drive, CAN SOMEONE EXPLAINE ME HOW I COME ABOUT DOING THIS?

Don't bother. Just leave enough space empty when you install windows.

4) I will then install Linux, WHICH SHOULD I INSTLL?

You should start by reading the daily, redundant threads on the exact same topic in this forum. Then keep picking ones at random until you find something you like.

5) Will i need to install all the drivers again? CAN SOMEONE TELL ME WHICH PARTS OF MY COMP WILL NEED DRIVERS on my LINUX OS? WHERE DO I GET THOSE DRIVERS? (Look at my comp specs for that).

The only thing I'd recommend is something for your keyboard, it seems to have problems with the shift key being stuck down. Other than that, you've given virtually no useful information except that the machine appears to be a bit old. I'll wager that everything is supported out of the box.

6) Will i need to install internet service on my Linux OS again?

How do you connect right now? If you have the normal setup of a home router acting as dhcp server, you will probably have the chance to say so while installing linux and everything will be done for you.

7) How do i dual boot my OS?

Most distros will set up a boot loader that will give you a menu with a choice of linux or windows (or whatever else you have installed) at boot time.

Answer them in #s.

Thank you.

 

[Jimit87]

Will i need to install VGA card, or any other hardware drivers again? (after installing it for windows)
How do i make partition when i install Windows XP pro? i have seen the option in blue screen but never knew how to use it.
I use comcast/cable internet service. after i install their CD on my windows, will i need to do that again for linux afterward?

I am gonna use ubuntu 6.06.1

Thank you.

 

[Jimit87]

K i edited my first post so you can understand more.

 

[Nothinman]

2) While installing Windows XP Pro SP2, how do i make partition so i can install linux later on? Detail description needed.

Don't, just create the Windows partition during it's installation and leave free space for the Linux installation and it'll do the additional partitioning for you.

5) Will i need to install all the drivers again? Will i need to install drivers for my VGA card, and other hardwares on my comp? (i checked on dell website and couldn't find Linux drivers for any hardware) But i did find the driver for my VGA on nVidia's official website.

Yes and no. Most of your devices should work out of the box just fine in Linux without any work, the exceptions are normally wifi and 3D accelleration. If you don't have any wifi then all you need to worry about is the nVidia stuff and that's not too hard.

6) Will i need to install internet service,Cable on my Linux OS again?

Doubtful, most cable Internet access just requires a working NIC and DHCP client. Infact you can probably skip the software on your Windows install too.

7) How do i dual boot my OS? Will my comp give me option when i turn on my comp autometically, without installing any other software?

Ubuntu will setup GRUB to do that for you automatically.

If you have any other questions take a look on here for answers first: https://wiki.ubuntu.com/