Making the leap

[QuickSilver]

For some time now I have been wanting to get into Linux. My initial efforts were hampered by my inability to get WinXP Pro and any version of Linux to run on the same system. I tried for days and could never get a dual boot to work properly. I don't know if it was due to my system using SATA HDDs or what, but I spent a lot of time researching to make sure I was doing it right, and still made no progress. I have gotten various versions of Windows to run fine togeather on the same HDD, but no such luck with Linux

I would like to eventually be able to dump Windows all togeather, but I need to get through the learning curve of a new OS first.

It is my understanging that most versions of Linux can run with far fewer resources required than a Win system. Windows has a very high "fat" content.

That being said, would I be better off to get another older system, keep Linux on that computer, and learn the ins and outs that way instead?

Thanks for any imput you Linux heads can provide.

[faulkner132]

I had no problem installing Ubuntu Linux on top of an XP installation. Ubuntu detected XP and automatically configured the Grub bootloader for a dual boot. I have IDE drives though.

If you are serious about learning it, I recommend completely wiping your HD of Windows and using Linux exclusively... forcing yourself is the best way (that is what I did). If you have a dual boot set up, you end up using Linux for a day or two, get frustrated because you don't know it as well as Windows, and then never use it again.

[QuickSilver]

I can see your point, but there are a few basic reasons why that approach just won't work for me.

I use my computer every day and have applications on it that I need to use on a regular basis to maintain productivity. Untill I am sure that I will be able to get all of my essential programs to run under Linux in a reliable fashion, I won't be able to make the full jump.

The other part of my reluctance comes from a recreational standpoint. I enjoy gaming from time to time, and like to battle it out with buddies on line from time to time. Untill I can get my favorite titles to run on Linux, I still have a need for Windows in that application.

So for me, the only practical solutions would seem to be a dual boot configuration, or, if I'm unable to get that to work properly, another system to experiment with Linux on.

[Panama Red]

If you don't want to mess with another complete pc, you could disconnect the Windows hard drive and install Ubuntu or some other Linux distro on a smaller hard drive. That way you can keep them both totally separate from each other without the true dual boot. Only takes a minute to pop open the case, switch the IDE cable and reboot. I've tried it both ways and I prefer the dedicated hard drive method. I have one machine that has a 98se/2K dual boot on one hard drive and Ubuntu on a different hard drive.

[QuickSilver]

Panama! How the heck are ya my friend! Long time no talk to. I've been busy lately what with building a house and all. Anyway, back to the subject...

That method is simple enough. The only thing I would worry about is how it might wear the connectors on the MOBO over time. In general the cables are very rarely touched once the system has been assembled. Wasn't there a company who made some kind of a switch that performed a similar function? It seems like I saw that somewhere along the line. Some kind of a switch to toggle between IDE cables.

[Panama Red]

Don't change it at the mobo. Do it at the hard drive. If the cable wears out, they're less than $2 for a new 80 wire cable. I just leave both hard drives in the rack and switch both the power connector and the ide cable. Nothin's worn out yet!

[rspassey]

You can also tempt runnign live cds to get the feel. I have no opposition to the idea of putting on an older pc and learning on and off - that is what I did untill ?I decided to just turn the older pc into an Endian firewall. Just make sure you are dedicated and go on and mess around with linux till you get the feel for it instead of leaving it on the older computer and never turning it on.

[fudtone]

I was thinking a pullout or 2 to outfit what PR was suggesting... might be slick

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817122109

This one cost more but is sweet...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817604005

[glc]

Most newer bioses can be set to choose which hard drive to boot from first. Once you have the 2 separate drives set up, you can switch that way instead of opening the box.

[Jaggannath]

Originally Posted by fudtone I was thinking a pullout or 2 to outfit what PR was suggesting... might be slick http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817122109 This one cost more but is sweet... http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817604005

My Dad and younger brother have these on their computer... just shut down the computer, slide one out and the new one in, and start up. No wires need be connected or disconnected, and they both swear by them. They've been very reliable so far too, no problems as yet

[QuickSilver]

Originally Posted by glc Most newer bioses can be set to choose which hard drive to boot from first. Once you have the 2 separate drives set up, you can switch that way instead of opening the box.

Good point. The only shorfall is that you have to have 1 less HDD If you leave them in all the time, assuiming that all your channels are filled, which mine are.

[faulkner132]

Have you ever tried to use the Grub bootloader? It's really easy to setup and most distros will either automatically set it up or provide step by step instructions.

I really won't matter after about 3 months... you'll be ready to scrap Windows.

[QuickSilver]

Originally Posted by faulkner132 Have you ever tried to use the Grub bootloader?

Yep, I've tried it as well as other boot loaders, and they just seem to have issues with SATA for some reason. I don't know why SATA would make any difference, but it seems to.