How to install 2 operating systems?

Question

I want to install on my computer 2 operating systems..
How do i do that?
I got Windows XP Prof and i want to install Linux Debian too ;)

Answer 1

you can install up to 4 operating systems on a single computer due to the maximum number of primary partitions that the computer allows you to make. (also can make infinite extended partitions, but any OS is to go onto a primary for stability reasons.)



if all your hard drive is consumed with the C: partition in windows, then you either need to reformat your hard Disc (erase windows, re size partition [and add more partitions in the process] then install a fresh clean copy, all while using the win xp setup disc.



you could also try to have a Linux based re-partitioner program try to re size your c: but this is not guaranteed it will work as it is highly unstable and can corrupt windows data easily



after you have a spare partition on your hard drive, go ahead and change your Boot sequence in your bios or CMOS (if not done already)

to have the CD-ROM boot first with a debian disc inside it.



note)There are 2 versions of debian, the stable and the unstable. neither are useful as a Linux OS for beginners. The debian boot loader is, by default installed over the Win xp boot up files and if not done correctly, you loose access to your Windows OS.



Might I suggest Mandriva Linux (allot better off if purchase the paid beginner's version due to more hardware compatibility and automatic setup as opposed to the community version)

Answer 2

Create two separate partitions.

One will be the SWAP partition (it's size shouldn't be higher then 1 Gb) and the other one will be where you'll install Debian itself.

You can convert them if you like to the ext2 type (you can use Partition Magic to do this!)

Reboot you computer, insert the booting CD/DVD with Debian installation package and follow the instructions. It will recognize the partitions you've created so there shouldn't be anymore problems, well until you will be asked to configure Debian :).

Answer 3

sure that's totally plenty so attainable. There are some issues to examine first. keep on with those steps: a million) purchase or attain a partition application alongside with Partition Magic (maximum ordinarily used). 2) Delete/uninstall any extra documents and courses out of your XP setting up. This isnt REQUIRED, despite if it makes it much less possibly that repartitioning will injury something on your latest partition. 3) Run Disk Defragmenter. that's needed so as which you additionally could make advantageous all last documents are in maximum extraordinary/centralized places. 4) Run Partition application. this could enable you to resize thechronic partition, and create a sparkling one (quite turning out to be a brand newchronic from the present one) 5) as quickly as you have partitioned, you will reboot. bypass returned into XP to substantiate all is easily. you ought to now have a sparkling frustratingchronic indexed in My computing gadget. 6) Reboot and insert the OpenSUSE CD into yourchronic and run it. 7) for the duration of setting up, keep on with the stairs to place in onto the recent partition. the computing gadget ought to immediately replace its startup documents to correctly known the twin Boot setup. 8) in spite of each little thing is done, once you initiate off your computing gadget, you ought to now get a menu asking which OS you prefer besides into. in case you have any questions, be at liberty to digital mail me, i'm chuffed to help!

Answer 4

i dont beleve that u can do that on 1 computer

Answer 5

http://www.aboutdebian.com/dualboot.htm