I have decided to install linux. How do I get started?

[wdhpr]

I've decide to add linux to my hard drive along side my windows XP OS.

During the install its says I have to create a partition for the linux OS and a swap drive?

During the installation it asks me if I want to install grub and it gives me two options where to install grub for booting into my linux OS. Are there other options?

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To be sure choosing your linux platform will be the first big decision.

My linux choice was Simple Mepis. I tried 5 others before settling with mepis.

Once I got started with installing linux I had to deal with the above issues.
This almost stopped me in my tracks! I suspect it will also cause people to rethink their decision to install linux.

I would invite and appreciate any experienced linux users out there to lend any advice, links or tutorials they think would be helpful.

wdhpr

[wdhpr]

Ok here goes nothing.

I am using windows XP sp3
When installing the linux platform on my hard drive after deciding to go with Simply Mepis I downloaded the iso from Here.

I followed the instructions using the mepis install guide found Here

I allocated 15 gigs for my linux OS to ensure plenty of room for additional programs. So far I have used 7 gigs and I have downloaded a ton of games and other apps. I allocated 1.5 gigs for my swap drive. Of course you are free to do as you wish just ensure you abide by the minimum requirements of the install guide.

Creating the linux partions
The Mepis install guide briefly instructs you on using its installed partition manager called Gparted. Another option is to create your partitions while in windows using a 3rd party partitioning tool. I have Acronis disk director suite which I obtained when I purchased Acronis true image. THANKS GIZMO Or you can use the free EASEUS partition manager described at Gizmo's website HERE. Either option you choose, the file system will need to be ext3. Before installing read below: Installing Grub Bootloader The installation process is pretty much straight forward after the partitions have been created following the mepis installation process/CD.

Installing GRUB Bootloader.
This parts gets a little bit hairy. MEPIS uses the GRUB bootloader to boot MEPIS and MS-Windows. The default is allowing grub to be installed on you MBR (Master Boot Record) This is the area of your hard drive your computer uses just for booting into windows. I was very reluctant to write to this very important part of my hard drive. There is another option. I found this handy alternative. Read This. This option places Grub in the linux root partition eliminating the need to install Grub in the MBR section of your hard drive.
After the installation process is complete and grub is installed in your mepis root drive you will need to reboot using your mepis cd.

In the section of the Simple XP Dual-Boot article that reads:

Follow the instructions (in the forums) for formatting, partitioning, and loading Windows and Linux on your HD. Windows likes to be on hda1. I put /root in hda2, but do what you will. I've got: Bill's Black Space: hda1, /root: hda2, swap: hda3, and /home: hda4. Install MEPIS: /root hda2 and /home hda4. Put Grub in /root.

This was tricky for this newbie: in Konsole, type:
"dd if=/dev/hda2 of=/bootsect.lnx bs512 count=1" (shown)
"dd if=/dev/hda2 of=/bootsect.lnx bs=512 count=1" (should be)


Hda1,2,3 etc is referring to your hard drive partitions instead of c,d,e etc
This all depends on your computer configuration. While in mepis check your configuration by launching the file manager. Konquer in this case, it will show you the labels for your linux partitions. replace hda2 with the appropriate label indicated in konquer. In my case my partition was labeled sda2.

The konsole is just like a windows command line shell. can be found in the tools bar of konquer. After creating your bootsect.lnx file just use the file search app, again found in the toolbar. you may have to ensure your linux partition is mounted.
As this guide tells you copy the bootsect.lnx file. I used my usb stick. You can also use a floppy disk. Reboot into windows. Copy the file bootsect.lnx to your c: directory then edit your windows boot.ini file. I made sure I made a backup of my boot.ini.

Your boot.ini file should look something like this:

[boot loader]
timeout=15
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOW S

[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Micro soft Windows XP Home Edition" /FASTDETECT
C:\CMDCONS\BOOTSECT.DAT="Microsoft Windows Recovery Console" /cmdcons
C:\bootsect.lnx="mepis linux"

If all goes well you should have a dual boot system. Just reboot your computer without the mepis cd. You should see a option in your boot window for windows or mepis.

There you go. I hope this helps

Cheers
Wdhpr

[Jillian]

WOW . I am out of breath just reading the instructions to Install Linux. Never in a hundred years could I do that. Just mind bogglling to my simplicity.

[1002richards]

Hi,
First I used the USB version,I liked it so then went to dual booting Vista & Fedora.

I re-partioned my 'C' drive using this guide (scroll down to where it says "shrinking Windows Vista Partitions or Volumes):
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tuto...torial133.html


Then followed the advice here:
http://forums.fedoraforum.org/showthread.php?t=201941

as I'd used Vista's own partion manager, then steps 2 & 3 reflected that.
I took particular note of step 7 ... and it all worked no problem.

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Or you could try this
linux within windows

http://lifehacker.com/5195999/portab...inside-windows

... does what it say on the tin.

Or what about Wubi?

Wubi is an officially supported Ubuntu installer for Windows users that can bring you to the Linux world with a single click. Wubi allows you to install and uninstall Ubuntu as any other Windows application, in a simple and safe way.
No need to burn a CD. Just run the installer, enter a password for the new account, and click "Install", go grab a coffee, and when you are back, Ubuntu will be ready for you.
http://wubi-installer.org/




Richard

[bk_7312]

This may be a bit out of topic but could you by any chance show us how to upgrade a Linux distro from a previous version to a more current version say from Mepis 7 to Mepis 8?

[wdhpr]

Originally Posted by bk_7312

This may be a bit out of topic but could you by any chance show us how to upgrade a Linux distro from a previous version to a more current version say from Mepis 7 to Mepis 8?

One of the things I really like about Mepis, it has this great updating application called synaptic Its designed to sit in the background and monitor the system for automatic updating. When updates are found it will appear in your task bar and show the number of updates found. With just a few clicks of the mouse it will download and install the updates. This applies to updating to a newer version

For manual updating: See this article

Cheers
Wdhpr

[tony]

Originally Posted by Jillian

WOW . I am out of breath just reading the instructions to Install Linux. Never in a hundred years could I do that. Just mind bogglling to my simplicity.

If you have a little patients and read through slowly you can do it. Just ensure you allocate three partitions. I first allocated the space I needed in windows using easuse partitioner. The Gpart that comes with MEPIS will allow you simply to adjust and slide the amount of space you require. Make the first allocated space your root file for all your programs. Then allocate the second to SWAP (thats used for memory) and the third is your home file. Sounds difficult but play around with it, but obviously don't over write the your Windows OS. Then finalised the partitions in MEPIS setup. Not that difficult after you have done it but I agree if you have never challenged this area before it does look very daunting. Just backup you windows before doing anything, just to be on the safe side and when you have done it you will be proud of yourself because you have achieved something you have never done before. Worth a drink I would say. Let us know how you get on or you need help

Tony

[Jillian]

No way Tony could I ever do that. No , I definitely don't have the patience or the frustration tolerance level. Patience isn't one of my better traits and I sure don't like to be frustrated. I'll just stay with Vista. We are compatible partners . Vista doesn't give me any trouble.

[wdhpr]

I get a peaceful easy feeling. I get my ass taxed off and widows is bloated, complacent and lazy

[bk_7312]

Quick question, can this be done on Windows 7 which doesn't use a boot.ini file but uses bootmgr?