Linux installation advice needed...

[Stephen]

Recently I decided to learn about the MySQL server, and since my home machine is Win95 I was disappointed to learn that "on Win95 platforms the server leaks about 200 bytes per MySQL connection...". But not on Win98 apparently. So I figure I'll probably update to Win98. But then someone suggested that if I'm also thinking of installing Linux at some stage then maybe I should partition my disk first, and THEN install Win98.

Now, before I head off in the wrong direction and do everything I shouldn't, I like to get some advice on the best way to proceed. First off, I've never use Linux, but I figure as a webmaster I'm going to end up using it sooner or later--so maybe I should jump in now. Here are my questions:

(1) What are the main differences between the various Linux flavors? I believe FQ runs the Slackware distribution. What's that? How's it different from the RedHat variety? What about Caldera and so on? What do people recommend for a home machine? Alternatively, what should I stay away from?

(2) Should I partition first, then install Win98. Or install Win98 now and worry about partitioning when I get around to obtaining a Linux distribution and the nerve to attempt to install it?

(3) What does a dual-operating system platform look like on screen? Is there an icon in each that allows you to jump instantly between the Linux and Win98 systems, so that you can use one application in one system and then jump to carry out a different task on the other? How does this work in practice?

--Linux novice seeking the light...

[Charles Capps]

Oh, I gotta answer this one...

1 - IMHO, no distribution is really 'better' than the others. RedHat's is allegedly the most user friendly when it comes to installation. I shall avoid any further comments on this, as I'm out of my league. :-)

2 - You might want to partition first just to avoid the hassle later. WARNING: Partiton Magic is NOT as non-destructive as it claims to be, especially if there are allocation errors ANYWHERE on the drive... >:-[

3 - Depending on what application you use to dual-boot, it could be something as simple as one line of text asking for what OS to boot, or as fancy as a full GUI with the icons you described (System Commander?)

------------------
"Okay, so I'm not "SANE" so to speak, but uh... I'm the lovable kind of psycho"
http://solareclipse.net/

[Del]

Stephen,

Here's what I did when I put Linux and Win98 on the same box... I used RedHat Linux 5.2, as it's simple and comes with a few handy utilities on the CD for (no promises) non destructive re-partitioning.

<disclaimer>
This is just what I did, no promises it'll work for anyone but me.
</disclaimer>

Install Win98 using up the whole drive (mine's 6.4gb).

Use fips (a dos util that comes on the RedHat cd) to re-partition the drive into two equal sections

Install RedHat into the (now unused) second partition, follow the onscreen prompts and the book.

When the RedHat installation prog asks you to create a boot disk, do so.

When the RedHat installation prog asks you if you want to install a dual boot loader (LILO), select [NO].

Installation complete.

Now, when I want to fire up the machine running Win98, I just turn it on and let it fire up, winblows comes up just fine. If I want to run Linux, I put in the boot disk I created when installing Linux, and it'll fire up Linux instead. No fuss or hassle with a dual boot thingus, no LILO headaches, no money spent on System Commander (or similar), just a plain old 1.44Mb high density floppy disk http://www.aota.net/ubb/smile.gif

<edit>
There was no reason for me to put more than two partitions on my HDD to install Win98 as it uses Fat32 partitioning and understands partitions greater than 2gb.

If you use RedHat 5.2 off a CD, do not select the Server or Workstation installs, you want to use a Custom installation. Server install will use your entire disk, and Workstation might break stuff (it seemed to be a weird one). If you choose custom you can select what you want to install, and have a server/workstation in one more easily.
</edit>

Del

[This message has been edited by Del (edited 04-11-99).]

[Stephen]

Thanks guys,

Del, I very much appreciated your detailed reply. I am leaning towards doing things your way. Especially now that I know someone else has done it successfully (don't worry I read your disclaimer http://www.aota.net/ubb/smile.gif). Also, at the moment my need for Win98 seems to be greater than for Linux, so the Linux installation I can put off for a little while (I really want to get my website set up before I risk ruining my current computing setup). Not to mention that I need to familiarize myself with the Linux OS some more before plunging in.

Cheers,
Stephen

[Del]

at the moment my need for Win98 seems to be greater than for Linux


My exact reason for setting it up the way I did http://www.aota.net/ubb/smile.gif I need to be able to be online, but I still haven't convinced Linux that it wants to obtain an internet connection by going thru the proxy server on my Win95 box... As soon as we move (hopefully soon...) we'll be going the cable modem route, one per box, and I'll be able to run Linux exclusively again! (yyaaaayyyyyy!!!)

Depending on the machine you're using you may have it easier than I did. Mine's running the two OS's on a 90mhz Pentium with 48Mb RAM. This box is 7 years old and didn't react very well with putting real stuff in it hehehe (real stuff meaning: Linux, Win98, network card, decent vid card)

Del