Quote Originally Posted by piper View Post
Unfortunately, dual boot systems aren't as easy to setup on a windows machine as it is on a Mac. If you're looking for compatibility, I'd still say windows wins that area, but products that are being released now are becoming more compatable with hardware/software for Unix/Linux

When I started my job (IT Consultant), I was told to take this: http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu/download burn it to a cd and when you start up your computer, go into the boot screen and choose boot from cd. Don't install it on your computer because unless you have the xp cd, you won't be able to reinstall it. This saves from having to have a dual boot-up system. Having 2 os's installed on your computer as well takes up more space. I'd do that and get familiar, see if you like it or not.

Remember with Unix/Linux based OS systems, there aren't updates for these so you have to wait for a new release for the OS which means reinstalling the OS again after buying it. Mind you, a lot of the Unix/Linux stuff is beta tested WAY more than windows.

That being said, I have windows vista, and I've used it for over a year. I have not had any problems with it so far. There are a lot of updates for it. Currently you are also able to download the beta version for Windows 7 and can be installed on your computer. Someone at work did it and said even though it's beta, he still hasn't had any issues with it what so ever.

In the end, it all depends on what you want to do with your computer.

Man I feel like a geek!

Cheers,

Mike

Sorry for the novel.

ive dual booted and ran standalone linux for since right around 96/97. running servers(dns,ftp,opennap), desktop use, routers, you name it.
its advanced quite a bit since then. its getting easier and easier.

as far as dual booting with windows it can be done. personally i dont care for vista and will never puchase or use it. you can dual boot with xp no problems!


compatibility is not the problem of linux its a problem with lazy/cheap companies that dont want to make anything but a garbage product period!
the major issues are usually video cards not supporting opengl(microshaft doesnt use it anymore), winmodems(which rely on your cpu for data processing), some wireless cards(newer or propriety drivers), and some propriety hardware.

the easiest way to dual boot is to add an extra harddrive to your computer they are cheap now or even use a usb key(a big one). you could try a cd based distrobution.


as for updates piper is dead WRONG. linux is the most updated operating system period! no monthly security updates instead sometimes its daily!



if this is something your really serious about trying first thing i would make a list of your hardware and software you use and see if its supported.feel free to message me if you need any help or have problems finding drivers for your hardware.

Bill


oh yea and ive pulled many older systems out of the trash and used it to run linux without issues!