How to Dual Boot XP & Linux

While Windows XP is currently the most widely used and accessible operating system, many computer users prefer the flexibility, user power and security offered by Linux operating systems. Fortunately, there is no need to pick between Linux and Windows XP. Ubuntu, a free Linux distribution, includes an installation program that can partition your hard drive into two separate sections, one for Windows XP and one for itself. This essentially means that both operating systems are confined to a certain area of the hard drive. By following a few simple instructions, you can install both Windows XP and Ubuntu on a single computer.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A CD burner and blank CD
• A CD burning program capable of mounting ISO images

Installing Ubuntu

1. Download the Ubuntu installer from ubuntu.com/getubuntu/download

2. Mount the installer image onto a blank disk and burn it. This is your installation disk.

3. Insert your installation disk into a CD-ROM drive and reboot the computer. The Ubuntu installer will boot and ask you to partition your hard disk. The automatic partitioning mode is recommended because it is easy, and the vast majority of computer users shouldn't need to configure anything but partition size.

4. Use the sliding bar between the two partitions to allocate disk space as you see fit, then commence the resizing operation.

5. Enter your user name, password, language, time zone and other information to configure Ubuntu. Write down the user name and password you select, because without them you will not be able to use Ubuntu.

6. Choose the operating system you want to use. After Ubuntu is fully installed and configured, your computer will reboot. A screen called the "GRUB Menu" will come on screen with a list of operating systems you can boot. Windows XP is usually on the very bottom of the list. You may now select either Windows XP or Ubuntu every time you boot up your computer.

Tips & Warnings

• Linux systems, Ubuntu included, are much more secure than Windows XP due to their basic design. As such, online activities such as shopping and banking should be done on your Ubuntu operating system. Read some of the online documentation at Ubuntu's website before getting your hands dirty. Linux is a lot different than Windows and takes some time to get used to.
• Do not forget your Ubuntu password or user name. Without them you literally cannot use Ubuntu in any fashion and will have to reinstall it.

Resources

• Ubuntu Documentation
• CD Burner Program