Install Linux to an existing Windows OS

Here are same resources:

http://www.redhat.com/support/manuals/RHL-7-Manual/ref-guide/ch-dualboot.html

http://www.icc3.com/ec/linux/linux8.html

http://www.planetit.com/techcenters/docs/linux/expert/PIT20000414S0001

http://www.sentex.net/~bvandyk/linux/dualboot.htm

make your pc boot from cd...insert the linux cd and proceed to install it...make sure that the installation uses the free disk space and leave without modifications the windows partition.
if the installation ask you where install
lilo...install it in the mbr...so when your pc boots and you see "LILO :" press TAB and you will see the OS's options...generally linux for linux and dos for windows.

Paulo

First, you need to use a disk defragmenter to move all your Windows content to the "front" of the disk. Then you need to use a tool like PartitionMagic to shrink the size of your Windows Partition, and create an empty area on your disk for Linux tobe installed in. Third, grab your favorite Linux distro and put the CD in your drive and follow the installation procedures. They all provide some sort of tool to set up system and swap partitions for Linux; just make sure you don't overwrite the Windows partition. They generally will ask you which OS to be the default at boot; install LILO or whatever boot loader your distro uses in the Master Boot Record for the drive. Next time you boot, you'll have a couple of seconds to select Linux orWindows to boot off.

This is an overview of the process; I recommend reading http://linuxdocs.org/HOWTOs/Installation-HOWTO/x225.html#AEN265; it provides links to some mini-HOWTOs on Linux+Win95, Linux+NT, etc., as well as more detailed info on installing Linux.

Good luck!

There are many ways... and the "best" answer really depends on the reason you want to install linux.

If your main objective is to use linux as your desktop, and have some of the linux server functionality, your best bet is OpenLinux eDesktop 2.4 form Caldera.

http://www.caldera.com/support/download/
(and choose eDesktop 2.4 when you answer the questions) is the url for the evaluation (if you have a fast conection.. it is a 658MB download), or you can buy it online.

After you get or burn the cd, boot from it (if your pc is not setup to boot from the cd, go to your bios, and choose as your first option "boot from cd")... this will start you with the "lizard" that will walk you thru the install!

The biggest advantage of Caldera, for you, is that the install includes partition magic that will do all the steps necesary to put your windows partition in such a way that it's secure, and at the same time gives you as much space as you want/need for linux.

Hope it works for you :)

Cheers!

Marcos