FAQ III -- Installation
(Aug 20, 2003)
| This FAQ is the third part of a series of FAQs and corresponds to the the
inquiries by newbies concerning installation of Linux and partition management
on their drives.
Linux Installation FAQ
Q. What is Swap Space?
Q. Do I have to get rid of Windows to install Linux?
Q. Can I install Linux on my PC that isn't
partitioned?
Q. Can I install Linux on my PC that already has Windows
in one partition?
Q. Can I install Linux on my Windows partition?
Q. Can I use Linux without installing?
Q. How much space and memory does Linux require?
Q. What is LILO/GRUB?
Q. What is Swap Space?
A. When you install Linux, you will have to make two partitions. One
where you actually install the OS. The other is utilised as Swap Space. Just as
we need a rough space for our calculations when we are solving a maths problem,
Linux also needs some space to do it's work. This space is called the Swap
Space.
Q. Do I have to get rid of Windows to install Linux?
A. No you don't have to remove Windows to install Linux. In fact you
can have as many Operating Systems on your drive as space permits. All you need
is a boot loader to juglle between the operating systems.
Q. Can I install Linux on my PC that isn't partitioned?
A.Yes you can, but it is tricky. You would have to make Windows move
out of the way without losing any data. There are several tools that can help
you backup your data onto a CD. Then, you can format your hard disk and
partition. Or, if you are too adventurous and don't have any critical data on
your hard disk, you can use Windows based tools like Partition Magic to resize
your Windows partition in order to accomodate a new partition for Linux. So
buckle up 'cause it might be a bumpy ride and you may wind up losing all your
data.
Q. Can I install Linux on my PC that already has Windows in one
partition?
A. This way installation isn't difficult since you have already crossed
the huddle of partitioning your hard disk. You can get on with installing Linux
strainght away.
Q. Can I install Linux on my Windows partition?
A. Yes.There are many flavours of Linux that can be installed on a
partition that already has Windows installed on it. They themselves create a
directory in the Windows directory structure and can then be booted from within
Windows. These are good options if you want to try out Linux without going
through the hassles of partitioning your hard disk. But they are very limited
when it comes to applications and doing things because of size restraints.
Q. Can I use Linux without installing?
A. If you don't have the time or inclination to install Linux or if
space does not permit it, you can get a Live CD like Knoppix or LiFY. A Live CD
has a Linux distribution that can run directly off the Cd and need not
neccessarily be installed. You need not even have a hard disk to run such
distributions, ther run strainght from the CD-ROM.
Q. How much space and memory does Linux require?
A. This depends upon your requirements. If you want to run the X server
(the desktop), play games, listen to music, burn CDs, watch DVDs, you need to
get a PII 600Mhz onwards system with at least 128 MB RAM and 6 GB of hard disk
space. If not, then you can run Linux even on a 486 with 16 MB of RAM. In any
case, any PC that can run Windows can run Linux.
Q. What is LILO/GRUB?
A. LILO and GRUB are bootloaders that help you run multiple OSs on your
machine. LILO is the LInux LOader and GRUB is
GRand linUx Bootloader. It is the bootloaders job to ensure
that you boot into the correct OS. It keeps record of all the partitions on
which the operating systems reside. It can be on the first sector of the hard
disk, which is known as the MBR (Master Boot Record), or the first sector of a
partition, although the first option is preferred.
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