"Not another linux thread!" I hear you say. Linux n00b

[(\)y00b13]

I haven't even installed linux yet, or tried it on live CD. Currently I have a system running windows xp, ultimately I would like a system with dual OS (linux + windows). I plan to gradually become less dependant on windows, until I only need it for gaming purposes, if that. I have little idea as to how possible or impossible this dream of dual OS is, as I have searched google and the linux.com site for information yielding no definitive answer.

Ideally I would buy another hard drive, and install my chosen distro of linux on this, so that I have XP on one and linux on the other HDD. Can this actually be done? Would this form the basis of a workable dual OS setup? Ubuntu, Kubuntu and madriva are distros that look promising, having been recommended by zegeniestudios.net and gotten good press from Distrowatch.com. , and a few other sites. I can try before I commit and wish to, using live CD. Is this a no risk way of trying them?


Do all distros of linux require compiling of their kernels in order to achieve greatest effectiveness?

How is it that people can run battlefield 2 servers on linux machines, but the damn game can't be played on it? (yes I am this ignorant)

I run a PC I have personally built with an MSI K8 Neo4 motherboard(integrated AC97 sound), AMD 64 3000+ CPU, Belkin wireless network card(is used a lot for internet connection via router), GeForce 6600 graphics card, 450 watt PSU. Oh yeah, and 1GB of RAM.

[arix]

Actually it is possible...Yo can install 2 distros on 1 pc, u can eighter make a partition to your existing HD or you could purchase another drive (that would be the best thing to do) when u ourchase your hdd be sure its over 40gb...

[Josh1964]

On kernel compiles: some benefit is to be had, but not a miracle. Most distros will pick the best to install automaticaly. What I am saying is you likely won't notice it. Well, unless you go from say an older (2.4) kernel to the latest that is.

[faulkner132]

Ubuntu Dapper Install, Transition, and Configuration Guides:
http://www.132solutions.com/ubuntu.php