Can I dual-boot Ubuntu?

Question

I'm thinking about dual-booting my Windows 7 computer with Ubuntu 11.10 or another version, but I want to know if I can. My computer specs are:
AMD Turion Dual-Core RM-75 2.20 GHz
I have 190GB free on my C: drive and 1.36 on my D: drive
32-bit system
And I have an HP Pavilion G60 445-DX computer.

Can I dual-boot it without slowing down my computer or losing a lot of memory?

Answer 1

Dual boot only takes up space on the disk, and doesn't slow anything down, except that you need time to make the choice of OS before booting. I don't recommend dual-boot partitions on a single disk because the exotic MBR often gets mangled, resulting in a huge mess.



Use separate drives for Windows and Linux, if you possibly can.

Answer 2

Installing Ubuntu as a dual-boot with Windows without partitioning

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Wubi



Linux Mint 11 which is based on Ubuntu 11.04 has a feature called mint4win which is almost identical



Linux Mint 11 Download

http://www.linuxmint.com/edition.php?id=83



Linux Mint 11 Release Notes/User Guide

http://linuxmint.com/rel_katya.php



You download the ISO. image of Linux Mint 11 then you need to create a Bootable LiveCD

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/BurningIsoHowto



Linux Mint 11 can also be run straight from the LiveCD without touching your Hard drive





LUg.

Answer 3

Yes, you can dual boot linux. But if you change your mind and decide to go back to just having Windows, then you will have to repair the MBR or your computer will not boot. This is an easy fix, its just one of those things thats good to know ahead of time