About to buy new PC with Linux and XP

Bodryn · 07-18-2010, 07:53 PM

I am planning to get a new PC desktop with both Linux and Win XP on it. I am interested in suggestions as to how to set it up. The people who can set this up for me are familiar with Linux and also tell me that I can get XP even though it is getting a bit long in the tooth. I just would like some suggestions as to what to ask for to get a good result. I have heard that XP could be set up on a Linux foundation and allow more flexibility in repairing software glitches and malware problems.

We'll be using this with the last version of JASC Paint Shop Pro that works well with photos in XP, and also for storing and managing mp3 files, created either by Audacity or by my C.Crane Witness devices. I am also aware of GIMP and have heard good things.

Any feedback would be most welcome.

Sidebyte · 07-18-2010, 11:57 PM

Simple4 operation but has to be done in the proper order to install several O/S on one PC.
Number 1: You need to partition your hard drive into 2 or more partitions according to your needs, I have 4 partitions on this 5oo gig hard drive machine. You can do this initially with MS boot disk even Win 98 boot. Partition and format the drives, the higher O/S's like Windows 7 will reformat when you install the O/S or you can use a partitioning software, I use Partition Manager.
Then you need to install the older Windows first ie: If you are going to us XP and & then install XP first. When XP is installed then you can install & on preferably on Partition Number 2. After that is installed then install Linux on Partiton Number 3.
When you restart the machine it will have a menu to choose whick distro you choose to use. I have XP Pro on this new PC because Windows 7 has no drivers for my camera, scanner or printer. 7 is really nice to use but am annoyed at the lack of software from third party developers.

Sidebyte · 07-19-2010, 12:19 AM

I need to add that before you even start this operation you need to completely WIPE the disk of all current data and partitons, I use "killpart", a free little program that has never failed me.

Jon Foster · 07-19-2010, 07:38 AM

We generally install Windows XP on the entire hard drive then do ALL the updates before anything else. After we have a working Windows installation we use the Ubuntu Linux CD to install Linux. It will partition the drive so you have both a Windows and Linux partition. It will even ask you to specify the sized of the partitions. After that you have a dual booting system. When the computer starts up you select which OS you want to load. Linux will be at the top of the list and Windows will be at the bottom of the list. Note: The first time you start Windows again it will want to do a scandisk because the partition size has changed. Let it.

You can still get XP pre-loaded on a few systems too.

Jon.

Sidebyte · 07-19-2010, 05:37 PM

Jon, works for a two O/S system but I have 3 or more so need to partition first.

Bodryn · 07-20-2010, 09:51 PM

Thanks for this and any continuing feedback. The people who set up the original PC in B.C., (where I had Win 98, Win XP and Red Hat) also used Partition Magic and I myself have used an older version of that - it seems to be pretty easy to use. Nice to be able to partition while leaving data in place, although obviously it is good to back everything up first.

dirk · 08-08-2010, 04:02 AM

backup's never hurt , only wenn data fails and there is no backup..

07-18-2010, 07:53 PM	#1
Bodryn Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Minnesota; Manitoba Posts: 75	About to buy new PC with Linux and XP I am planning to get a new PC desktop with both Linux and Win XP on it. I am interested in suggestions as to how to set it up. The people who can set this up for me are familiar with Linux and also tell me that I can get XP even though it is getting a bit long in the tooth. I just would like some suggestions as to what to ask for to get a good result. I have heard that XP could be set up on a Linux foundation and allow more flexibility in repairing software glitches and malware problems. We'll be using this with the last version of JASC Paint Shop Pro that works well with photos in XP, and also for storing and managing mp3 files, created either by Audacity or by my C.Crane Witness devices. I am also aware of GIMP and have heard good things. Any feedback would be most welcome. __________________ Members don't see ads in threads. Register your free account today and become a member on Tech Today Online, gaining access to posting privileges, contests, free plug-ins and other downloads, unlimited online storage for your photographs, reviews, free marketplace listings, and much more. __________________ Bodryn ======== "Where are we going? And why are we in this handbasket?"

07-19-2010, 12:19 AM	#3
Sidebyte Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Medellin, Colombia Posts: 61	I need to add that before you even start this operation you need to completely WIPE the disk of all current data and partitons, I use "killpart", a free little program that has never failed me. __________________ "Give up, I never gave up but my horse did, I think he's pulling a milk wagon in St. Louis" Chief Dan George

07-19-2010, 07:38 AM	#4
Jon Foster Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: White Lake, MI Posts: 149	We generally install Windows XP on the entire hard drive then do ALL the updates before anything else. After we have a working Windows installation we use the Ubuntu Linux CD to install Linux. It will partition the drive so you have both a Windows and Linux partition. It will even ask you to specify the sized of the partitions. After that you have a dual booting system. When the computer starts up you select which OS you want to load. Linux will be at the top of the list and Windows will be at the bottom of the list. Note: The first time you start Windows again it will want to do a scandisk because the partition size has changed. Let it. You can still get XP pre-loaded on a few systems too. Jon. __________________ Come visit us on the web at AITec Services

07-19-2010, 05:37 PM	#5
Sidebyte Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Medellin, Colombia Posts: 61	Jon, works for a two O/S system but I have 3 or more so need to partition first. __________________ "Give up, I never gave up but my horse did, I think he's pulling a milk wagon in St. Louis" Chief Dan George

07-20-2010, 09:51 PM	#6
Bodryn Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Minnesota; Manitoba Posts: 75	Thanks for this and any continuing feedback. The people who set up the original PC in B.C., (where I had Win 98, Win XP and Red Hat) also used Partition Magic and I myself have used an older version of that - it seems to be pretty easy to use. Nice to be able to partition while leaving data in place, although obviously it is good to back everything up first. __________________ Bodryn ======== "Where are we going? And why are we in this handbasket?"

07-18-2010, 11:57 PM	#2
Sidebyte Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Medellin, Colombia Posts: 61	Simple4 operation but has to be done in the proper order to install several O/S on one PC. Number 1: You need to partition your hard drive into 2 or more partitions according to your needs, I have 4 partitions on this 5oo gig hard drive machine. You can do this initially with MS boot disk even Win 98 boot. Partition and format the drives, the higher O/S's like Windows 7 will reformat when you install the O/S or you can use a partitioning software, I use Partition Manager. Then you need to install the older Windows first ie: If you are going to us XP and & then install XP first. When XP is installed then you can install & on preferably on Partition Number 2. After that is installed then install Linux on Partiton Number 3. When you restart the machine it will have a menu to choose whick distro you choose to use. I have XP Pro on this new PC because Windows 7 has no drivers for my camera, scanner or printer. 7 is really nice to use but am annoyed at the lack of software from third party developers.

08-08-2010, 04:02 AM	#7
dirk Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: in the netthelands Posts: 17	backup's never hurt , only wenn data fails and there is no backup.. __________________ Intel core2duo E8400, pk5k mainboard, evga geforce 8600 gts, 4gb ram, dvd bl-hdd-dvd, dvd r/w/+/- cdrw combi drive / pioneer dvd 117 rw / cartreader 500gb/ 200 gb / 640gb , windows 7 hpo 64 bit and many may more

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Linux Users?	Jon Foster	Open Source Operating Systems and Software	11	07-19-2010 09:48 PM
PC card vs PC express card	JDtech	Hardware	3	07-03-2010 02:10 PM