How to have dual OS's?

[borucdude]

I used to be able to do this but now I forget. I have windows 7 home edition 64 bit, but I also want Linux. How do I get both on my computer?



And also, is there a way I can make my computer auto-turn on to windows 7, and ONLY switch to Linux if I click on a shortcut or something? I don't want my brother seeing it on bootup and thinking "What's this?" and screwing around with it.



Thanks =P

[Hood]

You can edit the boot editor (any boot editor for that matter), but it won't be necessary for this. Here's what to do (in a nutshell....PM if you need a more detailed "how-to"):

- Shrink the Windows volume
- Leave enough unallocated space for the Linux partition (and a share partition if you want)
- Boot to your Linux LiveCD (we'll assume Ubuntu for this example)
- Install Ubuntu, using the Disk Partitioner to create your Ubuntu (and other) partition(s)
- If you want to continue using the GRUB boot loader (used by Ubuntu by default), then do nothing but edit it to set your auto-boot settings and timer settings.
- If you'd prefer to use the Windows BCD, then you'll need to tweak a few things, but then you can use EasyBCD to simplify things from there on out.

Holler if you need more help.

[Hood]

Originally Posted by Mufeed

you can change default boot OS by right clicking my computer, and selecting properties. then on the left, advanced system settings. click advanced, then settings under startup and recovery. you can also change the duration of the boot manager there.

He's installing Windows 7 (as he mentioned). Windows Vista/7 do not use the GUI/CL boot.ini....they use the CL BCD (or GUI based if using EasyBCD). In order to edit the Windows Vista/7 boot config natively, you need to edit the BCD via CL commands.

[blAh]

Boruc.

Just make a LiveCD from the distro of your choice. I recommend you start with an easy windowy feel like, kubuntu, or something elegant like sabayon. Both OSes use KDE, which is one crazy awesome eyecandy based DE that kicks ass lol.

I won't go into Distros like Arch and stuff because when you finally get the hang of how Linux works you'll want to transfer.
Kubuntu has all the benefits of Linux but a windowy feel.

Then from there just pop in your LiveCD. Shut off your computer, and then turn it on with the CD in your CD drive.
You'll be greeted with a nice GUI depending on your distro.
Then just click next and enter your details.
-> Make a user, basic stuff.
When you get to the partition, most Linux OS have an easy to follow partitioner (Even Pab did it ). Just select how much HDD space you want Linux to take up and click next.
Easy as that.

Now when it asks you to reboot do so, and you'll be greeted with a GRUB loader/Different Boot loader which will have Windows 7 and (insert Linux distro here). Select the Linux one and have fun.
Feel free to add my xfire: shsh88 if you need further help.

-
EDIT: Hehe crap, if you want to try out Linux first try Wubi and install Kubuntu off it.
It installs the OS into your Windows HDD space. It's pretty cool, but it may not give you the best performance. This way is so simple even a monkey can do it no joke. Just install the program in Windows then run it and then enter user, HDD space, blah blah, which Ubuntu distro, click next and MAGIK! The next time you reboot you'll have a Boot Loader with (insrt distro) and Windows 7.

You can remove this just by hitting uninstall OS in Wubi or deleting the OS Folder in Windows. Once again, this may be a bad method as it degrades the performance of what a Linux OS can actually do.

I recommend just installing the OS of a liveCD or trying it out on a liveCD, since you can always delete your partition if you don't want it in like 2 clicks. But Wubi is a good option to try it.
Ask me if you need more help.

----2nd question so much writing 0.0:
Do what Hood said since after XP, Microsoft ditched the boot.ini crap.
http://neosmart.net/dl.php?id=1
^for EasyBCD.

[Hood]

One quick question....

Is this all so that you can *try* out a Linux distro (Ubuntu, DSL, Mint, etc...)? If so, just use a Virtual Machine (i.e. Sun [free]) and knock yourself out. Most of the driver capability rolls inherently, and if something doesn't it'll probably be audio/cardbus/media reader/etc... which won't inhibit the experience much if any.

This gives you the "click to swap OS" feature that you mentioned wanting. Dual booting isn't quite the same type of beast (more like having 2 HDDs that share the same hardware).

Don't like the distro, do a virtual format and try another. Easy peasy lemon squeezy....

[blAh]

Originally Posted by borucdude

1 Last question: How do I make a LiveCD?


*Facepalm* I did this like 5 years ago and I haven't had to since then...

err easy.

1. Download the distro of choice's ISO. You have a 64-bit right? Download the 64-bit one.

2. Save the ISO file wherever.

3. Download ISO Recorder.

4. Insert blank CD in CD drive.

5. Execute the ISO Recorder, navigate to the file, click burn.

6. Go get a taco while it's burning.

7. Follow all the steps from my post above to install your new LinuxOS.

8. Follow Hood's steps to shorten/change the Boot Loading time to Windows. (No need really it's just one click to switch OS).

9. IDK but moar steps look awesome .

YOU MUST FOLLOW STEP 6 IN ORDER TO GET A LINUX OS.