Dual Booting Linux

[CatCheeto]

Ok, so I am ready to dual boot with Linux. Only problem is I have a 40 gig HD in one NTFS partition. Can Linux be put on NTFS, if so, can it be on the same partition as Win2k Server? Any sugestions?

[SpookyEddy]

Generally linux uses one of its own file systems (although it can read NTFS with no problems). Heres a quick run down of some of the more popular linux compatible file systems;

ext2 - The standard linux file system & has the greatest compatibility.
ext3 - The evolution of ext2 to provide a journalling file system, very reliable & maintains backwards compatability.
reiserFS - A btree journalling file system providing excellent performance especially with small files.
XFS - A port of Silicon Graphics journalling file system.

Regards

eddy

[Scott Tiger]

SpookyEddy's advice is always listening to Catcheeto. He's one of our veterans. I would like to add that Linux has lots of trouble writing to the NTFS filing system though. Reading is okay - writing usually leads to corruption.

I'm not sure if any of the partitions tools will resize NTFS partitions. Can't say that I've ever tried though so hopefully someone else will know..

[SpookyEddy]

/me blushes

A very good point about writing to ntfs file systems from linux, its sketchy at best.

Partition magic might be a good idea for resizing ntfs partitions, although its not something I have ever done as I lack any ntfs disks.

Good luck.

eddy

[Love2Learn]

being an old windows user and a new linux user i have thought about that dual boot many o times.. one thing is i dont think partition magic will resize NTFS format.. I maybe wrong but i think the only way to dual boot linux and NT or 2k server is to fdisk 2 partitions... let me see if i can scrounge up some stuff on that and get back to you

oh and Welcome to TechIMO!!!!

-L2L

[lynchmob]

PartitionMagic will resize NTFS partitions,but with limitations,mostly with increasing it's size past a certain point makes the comp unbootable.You must have free space to reduce the size of a partition and be sure to leave plenty of space for the existing part. or PM will stop the action,but wont destroy your data.
lynch

[UUoodseifer]

Ok, so.......Heres my problem spooky or any Linux mongers,

I have a Platform, with a 40GHD, 15=winxp 15=hopefully lMandrake, 5=backup.

I mainly use my Pc for general everyday uses , What is the best format for my HDD, i see plenty of a selection but i'm not 100% sure.

Mandrake 9.0, what is it like? Is it the best, worst, easiest, or quip, quo, pro???

Help will be greatfully, thanked >?<

[J-Excel]

Mandrake is a great starter distro. Asking someone their favorite Linux distribution is like asking someone their favority color. It's all opinion. I'd be tempted to pick up a cheap HD for Linux and backup. You don't need 15GB for Mandrake. 5, maybe 10 tops.

[Love2Learn]

Originally posted by UUoodseifer
Ok, so.......Heres my problem spooky or any Linux mongers,

I have a Platform, with a 40GHD, 15=winxp 15=hopefully lMandrake, 5=backup.

I mainly use my Pc for general everyday uses , What is the best format for my HDD, i see plenty of a selection but i'm not 100% sure.

Mandrake 9.0, what is it like? Is it the best, worst, easiest, or quip, quo, pro???

Help will be greatfully, thanked >?<

not to trash the thread but UUoodseifer if you need help with a problem plz post in a new thread about it and not trash this one much thanks

-L2L