[mdlug-newbie] Install Help

[list1c30fe42 at bellsouth.net]

Ron, Robert, Gary,

> Easy enough to do.  In fact, I have most of my machines configured to
> mutli-boot.  ...
> And for the casual user there are some excellent, safer alternatives,
> such as installing using wubi or installing in a virtual machine or
> installing on an external drive.

Be aware that wubi and virtual machines tradeoff speed for isolation.
In my experience a VMWare (and reportedly xen) slow performance ~4x.
Wubi is supposed to be better optimized for ubuntu.

You didn't state whether your second 300GB drive is internal
or external.
If your 2nd drive is already external
or if you invest in a 3rd external drive,
it can be as fast (or faster).
To prevent XP (or Vista) seeing ubuntu,
and you may find physical disconnection of an external drive,
more convenient than bios disconnection of an internal or external drive.

At work I run windows as a VMWare guest on a CentOS host.
Windows is several times slower, but functional.

> If you still want to proceed with creating a dual-boot system, then
> prepare yourself first by becoming extremely familiar with how to do a
> full backup and recovery of your Windows system.

If you are not already familiar with recovery of your Windows System,
I suggest you become familiar whether or not you create a dual-boot system.

I used to use linux to keep my Windows NT partitions clean
while linux maintained the linux partitions.
In the past, I found it easiest to restore Windows base from Windows,
and backup/restore MyDocuments and most apps from a dual-boot linux.
Currently, I use a commercial linux product which I find easier
for backup and restore of all Windows, Exchange, ...

> Regardless of which way you go, be sure to let us know how things work out.

Though there are some elements to learn,
installing (on different drives)
a dual-boot system is a good way to learn.

Hopefully helpful,
--
Bob