On Tue, 24 Jan 2006 20:38:47 -0800, chevysrock39 wrote:
> I am thinking about installing Ubuntu linux, and I didn't know what I
> needed. I have an Emachine T5026, and running XP. I don't know what I
> need to dual boot (eg, BootMagic) I have PartitionMagic 8.0, but It
> doesn't have BootMagic. Anyone have any suggestions of what to do?
> (it's not like I can't fiddle with it, I have a backup every 2 weeks!)
>
Caveat: I haven't setup Ubuntu. I have seen the online documentation for
that distribution, and it is very good. You should review their specific
instructions beforehand- so you'll know what to expect. My advice below
is generally applicable to any GNU/Linux distribution.
Because you have a current backup and PartitionMagic, you can use that
to prepare for the Ubuntu install. Ubuntu includes partition resizing
as part of its install, but if you are familiar with PartitionMagic
you can use that. Also, if your computer has a floppy drive, you can
make a Windows boot floppy now as a fallback position.
The first step is planning. Assuming your system has a single ide hard disc,
the space is allocated between the OSs. Here is a table which is a starting
point:
Partition Used for Size or % Comments
--------- ----------- ---------- ---------------------
MBR boot loader 512 bytes Use grub
1 Windows ? Windows likes to be on part. 1
2 Ubuntu Swap ? size relative to RAM (1x - 2x)
3 Ubuntu root ? probably 4-8G minimum
Here is one solution for an 80G disc:
Partition Used for Size or %
--------- ----------- ----------
MBR boot loader 512 bytes
1 Windows 8G
2 Ubuntu Swap 1200M
3 Ubuntu Root 71G
Use your plan and PartitionMagic to resize your exisiting Windows partition.
This works by consolidating unused space. If your disc doesn't have enough
free space, then you might need another disc, etc. Assuming there is enough
free space for the swap and root partitions, then you can proceed.
PartitionMagic has done its job when your disc has a single partition and a
free block (unallocated space) at the end which will be used by the Ubuntu
install.
The next step is to plan how your system will boot in its final configuration.
I recommend grub because it is a very flexible boot loader. I wrote about
grub here:
http://groups.google.com/group/comp....1c5ebd5c18911?
Grub can be installed either at the MBR or on a linux partition. For me, it
has been easiest to install grub at the MBR, (YMMV). You will indicate your
choice for the bootloader as part of the install.
With your plans set, boot the Ubuntu setup CD. You should be up and running
in no time.
--
Douglas Mayne