Dual boot, XP and Ubuntu, do I have to format my HD?

[milje]

I'm thinking of installing Ubuntu on my computer, do I have to format the hard drive in order to make the partition for this?



I want to try it on my computer, see how it is. My sisters comp is a POS and I'm thinking if Ubuntu isn't hard to use (she uses Skype, MSN Messenger, and the internet), I may convert her computer.

 

[fastpakr]

You should be able to use the Ubuntu Live CD to shrink her current Windows partition down to a reasonable size (current usage plus a reasonable margin) without affecting the data, then use the remaining space for a new Linux install.

 

[mjonesjr]

You can add a partition in the operation system setup. If you insert the disc and go into setup, it should show you how much up partitioned space you have.

If you don't have enough to run the 2nd operation system, then you will have to reformat as there is no way to decrease partition size in XP.

 

[milje]

I'm downloading Ubuntu right now, will burn it on a CD later. Maybe I'll give this a shot after work tonight.

 

[fastpakr]

You can add a partition in the operation system setup. If you insert the disc and go into setup, it should show you how much up partitioned space you have.

If you don't have enough to run the 2nd operation system, then you will have to reformat as there is no way to decrease partition size in XP.

Are you sure the Live CD doesn't let you do that? I know the ability isn't built into XP's partition editor like it is in Vista, but the Live CD should be capable of shrinking it.

 

[mjonesjr]

I didn't know that the Linux would shrink another operating systems partition. I think it might only shrink its own partition.

Post some screen shots of Linux when you get it installed. I have never seen it and might consider trying it.

 

[fastpakr]

Burn yourself a live CD and play with it. You don't have to install anything permanently just to take a look around.

 

[milje]

Disk is burning right now.

 

[milje]

Testing, Testing.....1......2......3......


*tap*tap*



*feedback*



..................................

 

[fastpakr]

Lima Charlie.

 

[milje]

Well, I guess I'll back up my pictures on a CD and try this partition thing tonight. Running off the CD now.

Apparently the IM program on here works with MSN, I'll call my sister and have her log on and try it to verify, but it looks like it should do everything she needs.

 

[mjonesjr]

Do you have any screen shots of Linus fastpakr?

 

[fastpakr]

What exactly do you want to see? There are tons of different distros and each can be configured to your own taste. I can try to take a shot of something specific, or you can google around some of the versions and see what you like. Like I said above, just download and burn one of the Live iso's and you'll be able to experiment without installing a thing.

 

[mjonesjr]

Just curious to what it looks like. I have never seen it.

 

[milje]

So far everything seems pretty windows like, just not bloated (I like Windows but it can annoy me). The stuff that would normally be in the Start menu is up top, but it comes with Firefox for the internet, so that's pretty familiar. Color scheme is based around brown instead of blue.


There's some screenshots on the Ubuntu website.