linux installation

[ekoyuncu]

Before installing linux I know that I have to repartition my windows xp disk. Which of the following is better, to let linux make its partition itself during installation, or to make the repartitioning before by partition magic ??

When linux tries to do it itself, it shows my disk partitions and lets me chose. But then, when I'm asked to enter size, I have only the options starting from some value, not zero, 20 GB to 30 GB, for example. I came until this point and I couldn't decide what to do.

If I make it by partition magic, there is an option for a different operating system which includes linux also. It says that putting the linux partition at the very beginning is recommended. But then will it affect my windows xp's working ? It also says that primary partitioning is recommended but linux can work in both primary and logical partitions.

I cannot make my decision, please somebody help me ....

[fernandez]

I believe it's easiest if you use Partition Magic for your first installation.
Which version of Partition Magic are you using? I have version 7.0. The recommendations I get from Partition Magic are to install Linux on a logical partition and after C.

My partitions look somewhat like this

|---------------------|---------|--------------------------|
Windows............swap.........Linux

[ekoyuncu]

My partition magic is 8.0 .....

[fernandez]

I see, sorry I've never used Partition Magic 8. Hopefully someone else will be able to answer your question more correctly.

[cpugeniusmv]

which distribution?

when i install mandrake, i usually just resize my windows partition smaller and let the installer do whatever it wants in that unallocated space.

the way i believe the partitions need to be are as follows:

root ( / )
swap
home ( /home/ )

but i think it's just easier to let setup do it.

[ekoyuncu]

My mandrake is 9.1 that I want to install. After installation how can I make my computer bootable both ways (linux and windows) ?

[cpugeniusmv]

the installer will put lilo in the master boot record. that will allow you to choose to boot into linux or windows when you turn on your computer.

[isamoor]

Partitioning

The bit about linux being better off first isn't really neccissary. It has to do with reading your swap faster, but on new pcs this isn't really an issue. If you want to do with partition magic, I recommend making a large extended partition after your primary partition with windows in it. Inside the extended partition, then make three new partitions. First make a swap partition such that ram + swap is at least a gig. Then make a root partition with about 2/3s or so of the remaining space. And then throw the rest into a partition that can become your /home directory. This is a pretty good layout.

While you are at it, I recommend making another partition in that extended partition of a fat32 (old windows type) to store data and share back and forth between windows and linux. You can always use your regular windows partition, unless it's ntfs (new windows style).


About the booting, Mandrake is pretty good about that. It should easily add windows to lilo (the boot loader), you just need to make sure lilo installs to the MBR so that it appears first.

Hope that helps,

Isamoor

[ekoyuncu]

HELP !!!

I managed installing Mandrake 9.1 and did not encounter any problems during installation. My computer can boot into both windows and linux. However, after linux starts, my mouse and keyboard do not work and I cannot do anything, although I was able to use my mouse and keyboard during installaton. Please, help ....

[RJ5500]

Originally Posted by ekoyuncu

HELP !!!

I managed installing Mandrake 9.1 and did not encounter any problems during installation. My computer can boot into both windows and linux. However, after linux starts, my mouse and keyboard do not work and I cannot do anything, although I was able to use my mouse and keyboard during installaton. Please, help ....

Did you select the right type of mouse/keyboard during the installation itself? Wait until the login screen and the mouse and keyboard should work.

If that fails (and the mouse/keyboard still work in windows), try re-installing Mandrake.

[ekoyuncu]

Originally Posted by RJ5500

Did you select the right type of mouse/keyboard during the installation itself? Wait until the login screen and the mouse and keyboard should work.

If that fails (and the mouse/keyboard still work in windows), try re-installing Mandrake.

on the boot screen my keyboard works and I can choose linux, but after everything is loaded (by the way, I do not get any login user screen) the screen gets blue (empty), then icons and all the menus load, but that's all, I wait for some time and get no response from my mouse and keyboard ....