current dual boot methods for Ms/linux

[helmeteye]

I am going to build 3 pcs for me and my daughters. Or is that my daughters and I

Anyway, I want to make all of them dual boot(windows/linux). I'd like them to learn linux and consoles. I don't trust the linux partition tools with Windows machines so I need to know what the best partition software or techniques would be.

I have never partitioned anything. I am doing all of these builds and such just so my kids can learn early. I want dual boot because I like linux for simple tasks and because I can.

I'd also like to know rather or not I should use xp or vista? What version of either os would you use?

I have done searches and it seems there are no current threads. Up to date, if you will.

[shadowpr]

As for what version of windows, I will say it depends more on your hardware.

If your hardware is compatible and the machine can handle vista then go for vista. (Personal opinion.) This will allow your daughters to get familiar with it instead of getting used to xp, and then having to learn things over again.

[pam123]

Save your sanity and put 2 hard rives in the computers you're building.
Load Linux on one and XP/Vista on the other.
Here's how that works with XP : http://www.linux.com/articles/42788
Here's how it works with Vista : http://apcmag.com/5046/how_to_dual_b...nstalled_first

In neither case, using another hard drive, will you have to re-size a partition.

Now, about Vista.
Going by rumors Microsoft is going to bring out an entirely new OS next year but that's only rumor.
What isn't rumor is that Vista is an over-priced disappointment that many are avoiding.
It's your money and your call, what software will you be running ?

[helmeteye]

Pam, that was a very helpful post and I may get 2 hard drives. I also want to partition just for the sake of doing it though. I don't know how to do it and don't want to mess up the pc I have.

[pam123]

OK, time to don your experimenter's hat.
You need a rig to practice on, wipe when you get it wrong ( it happens to us all) and do it again.
The fact is that trial and error still has its' place.
Get busy!

[helmeteye]

Originally Posted by pam123 OK, time to don your experimenter's hat. You need a rig to practice on, wipe when you get it wrong ( it happens to us all) and do it again. The fact is that trial and error still has its' place. Get busy!

OH YEA!!!!! That was in the spirit of a famous wrestler, I believe he was named something something Savage. I do plan on experimenting. I just meant I can't do it now. I only have one working computer at present that I can't mess up. I will shortly have more than one and there will be lots and lots of experimentation. I made the mistake of experimenting with my last 2 when they were the only ones I had.

On one I even went looking for a bot. Ha ha, I found it and it fried my computer. I had really thought I could just reformat. I let it run like wild for a couple of days, it was seriously funny. You shoulda heard the old machine reving non stop.