can I load Linux over xp 1

[BrytewingTree]

I want to no if I load up Linux into my computer while I have windows xp still in it will it crach my computer or deteched everything?

 

[SaltyDuke]

I take it you wist to install Linux onto a Windows XP machine?

Generally, there's no problem setting up 2 OSes on the one machine. Your best bet is to refer to the documentation that came with your Linux distro, or to visit their website.

But Linux is generally a very well-behaved OS so it most likely wont "crach" your computer

Hope this helps
TheSaltyDuke

 

[Quintios]

Along those lines, there's the option with RH 7.3 to load the boot information on the MBR or on the /boot partition. When would you NOT want RH to install on the MBR?

Onwards,

Q-

 

[amikeliunas]

regarding the last question: where to install boot loader:
1) in the past there were bugs and many installations had problems (mostly on the Windows side) when dealing with MBR changes. New Linux distros don't have the problem.
2) when you want to hide the fact that Linux is installed! Some coprporations get very picky when you install non-std software. Use a boot floppy that only has the boot loader and you're back to Linux in not time...

 

[Quintios]

Nice answer amike... Star for you!

Onwards,

Q-

 

[venkman]

I believe the 3rd path not discussed here is installing the boot loader on the boot sector of a partition rather than the whole drive. The purpose of this would be if you wanted to use multiple boot loaders (although I'm not sure when this is useful). You can load to the mbr of the drive and then switch to the mbr of the partition.

-Venkman

 

[Quintios]

Man, I need to read a good book on this subject...

Onwards,

Q-

 

[venkman]

You should probably read through the redhat manual on their website. It will explain a lot of these basics.

-Venkman