operating systems

[sunny22]

Is there a way to install and run different operating systems without messing up and lsong data on my Windows XP? Also is there a way to duel boot by creating a new partition without losing data?

[the mitch]

1.get a partitioning software
2.defragment hdd
3.partition hdd
4. run grub or equivilant to dual-boot

[the mitch]

For all looking for partitoning software, use LINUX http://www.sysresccd.org/

[sunny22]

Doesn't partitioning get rid of your data? If i do partition how would i set it to duel boot?

[Coolzer]

The old way of partitioning was to use Fdisk (MS DOS). When you created a partition with Fdiak your had to format your HDD and loose all your data. But now days they have programs like Fdisk, but now are able to keep your data on the disk while the partition is being created. (not data is lost)
I don't know much about "Free" partition Apps but Partition Magic is a really good one. I suggest that you "buy it" instead of geting freeware. When it come to your HDD Free stuff for Windows is not good. Free linux apps are ok though.

EDIT:\
Sorry forgot the second question, Partition magic 8.0 onwards has a wizard for creating duelboots with different os's. Eg. linux and windows

[sr71000]

sorry, i'm anal, but duel is fight, dual is two...it's dual boot!! but anyways, linux comes with grub, so if you have windows installed, just find a program to shrink your windows partition, and then install linux on what's left and grub should autoconfigure to dual boot