Thread: Dual OS installation

As long as you have enough Hard Disk space, it is possible to install two or more Operating Systems and distros on the same computer. The method for installing two or more operating systems is practically the same. What Linux does here is resize the partition to make room for itself. This works the same for a Windows OS, or another Linux Distro.



First, put the CD or DVD in the tray, and restart the machine. Before the OS boots, press [F12]. The loading screen of the distro should show up now. Choose to install the system, and go past the first few steps, which are the same as a fresh installation discussed before. The difference will be at the partitioning stage, where you will have to modifY the partitions instead of using the preset partitions. The wording for this option may be different in different distros, but basically, you will have to choose to resize, modifY or "make room" in the partition.

The next step is to choose a partition to modify. Choosing the largest partition is a good idea at the point. You might want to break it up into two parts, one for the system, and another for the swap space. Do not try this without backing up your data although nothing will happen to the data if everything goes fine it will still in the regular location. This only thing you will lose

Select the partition to modify, then allocate a portion of it for the operating system. At a minimum. this space ~hould be around 8 GB. but since you are installing an as. somethmg around 30 GB and upwards would be more useful and appropriate for long term use. Select the Resize/Move button to edit the table. Note that at this point of time. the partitions are not really being changed: but are represented on screen on what they will be after Lmux changes them.

Select the space you have just created. and allocate it as the primary partition. You can also break it up to allocate more partions. or a small space for the swap partition. Add or remove pamtions. at this stage as per your preferences. Usually. one mam partition, and one who swap partition should be sufficient.

The next step is a simple prompt asking if you are sure that you want to continue with the operations. If you are sure that you want to go ahead with the partitioning. click on OK, and go right ahead. The Linux partitioner (usually a program called gparted) will start working now. Halting the operation in the middle will have disastrous consequences on your hard disk. The extent of the disaster will be that a section of the hard disk will mysteriously disappear from your as. Your files still wont be affected, but it is a good idea to do this operation when you are sure of a steady supply of electricity.

Now, every time you start up your machine, you should choice of operating systems to boot up. The application use this is called Grub. Choose the as of your choice from here boot up.