Thinkpads Forum

I have a 760XL and would like to keep 98se on the machine. I would also would like to try Linux (first time). If I can transition into Linux, a complete switch will be in order to the 760XL and my Desktop. So how can I set-up a dual OS system?

Most modern Linux distributions detect an existing Windows system and set themselves up to coexist with it (with a menu on bootup that lets you choose between them). Trouble with installing on an 760XL is that the machine can't boot from a CD. The way around that is to get a copy of "Smart Boot Manager" (google to find it) - a floppy that you can boot from, and that then lets you trick the machine into booting from a CD. Works nicely with the 760XL.

Later: the DOS download is here:

http://btmgr.sourceforge.net/download.html

I'll add that you should defrag the machine from Windows first so that the Linux installer can shrink the partition properly. Many Linux distributions come with a boot floppy image that will boot from a floppy, then load the CD.

You can set up Linux in a windows folder. No need to repartition or anything like that. All the Linux stuff goes in the windows folder which windows sees as just another ordinary folder. You boot in the usual way and then use a windows application called loadlin, which starts the Linux kernel. If you are not completely satisfied with Linux (how bizarre is that) you can just put the Linux folder in the trash.

Go to http://www.start-linux.com/articles/article_155.php

http://www.start-linux.com/articles/article_155.php

Havin trouble geting this link to load..........Is there an updated link?

Thanks.............