partitioning

[dummie2]

I have win98 and I would like to partition the hardrive and put Linux on.  I have never done this.  Is it complex or dangerous?  What is the best approach to partitioning...and then adding Linux which I also know nothing about?

 

[bdux]

Do you wish to retain the data on win98 if yes a backup of it is a good idea before partioning the hard drive. Partion magic can resize partions and create partions and retain the data (Scandisk and defrag hard drive first) . Linux has a boot manager with it that can manager two operating systems. Partion magic does have some risk to using it (power failure to P.C )  .Backup strategy >>> I would use Nortons ghost to ghost the original win98 to another slave hard drive as backup . once you has finished repartioning you can then ghost the slave drive back onto the partion so long as the partion is as big as the data used on the slave drive . Ghost will resize to your new partion size if different so long as used space is less than the new partion size. OR if you don't mind losing the data * DELETE * Partion (first drive)  with FDisk ** note all data will be lost ** . Create new primary partion but smaller so unused space can be assigned to Linux Partion. Linux install instructions will tell you how to select partion to create the linux partion and put linux in this partionl. Linux boot manager will handle the two operating systems and let you select on boot up.  Sorry to be a bit vague but I have only done this once and don't know UNIX well enough to know how to use Linux it does have a windows interface program  .  Once linux creates partion Linux is the only way to remove it as Win 95 and dos won't know the linux partion file system .

 

[Guest_imported]

Just about everything that <b>bdux</b> said is true when you are trying to do what you are talking about.  One thing he did not mention is that in the setup of Linux, the setup comes with its own partitioning software, Disk Druid, which allows you to make the LILO (Linux) and DOS (Windows) partitions.  You may set the partition up that way, which lets you achieve the exact drive space you want to alot to a partition in relation to the other (i.e.: 60% dedicated to Linux, 40% to Windows).  Once you get the hang of disk driud, it is much easier to operate than the standard fdisk DOS command, in my opinion.  On removing the Linux partition, you must not only remove the partition through Linux, but you must also re-write the master boot record to the generic status, which is simply achieved by using the command <b><i>fdisk /mbr</i></b>.  If you have anymore questions, let me know.