Thinkpads Forum

Hi!

I am a regular Windows user and want to learn Linux.

I have a T40 and wondering if I purchase a 2.5" 30G/40G HDD with enclosure (serves as external HDD, probably with USB connection), can my T40 boot up the machine from there?

My plan is to install Linux there and learn using it bit by it while I can still keep my Windows XP HDD (internal one) intact with my T40.

So, if I want to use Linux, I can attach the USB cable to T40 and boot from there and work on it. If I decide to work on Windows, I just boot it like normal.

There are several Live Linux CD's. You can boot this CD and run Linux right from there. No need to install anything or touch your hard drive at all. If you just want to learn Linux, it's a great way to start.

See http://www.knoppix.com/ for a very popular one.
Another: http://www.mepis.org/
http://www.ubuntulinux.org/
This one takes a DVD: http://www.suse.com/us/private/download ... index.html

And if you want to start with the very basics: http://www.[censored].org/

Enjoy!

Another approach, especially for learning, is to install VMware and then install Linux in that. You can run Windows and Linux at the same time, and network them together. It always you to learn Linux at your pace. This is merely an alternative I am presenting, but I do use it myself. ... JDHurst

That's an excellent idea too, JD.

Also, Microsoft has VirtualPC. You can download a trial version of that and use it to run Linux.

Another approach, especially for learning, is to install VMware and then install Linux in that. You can run Windows and Linux at the same time, and network them together. It always you to learn Linux at your pace. This is merely an alternative I am presenting, but I do use it myself. ... JDHurst

Which one do you download? there are about 20...

(want to try SUSE)


.:Edit:.

woops, it's also a 30day trial.

anyone got instructions for how to do it the "right" way, with a partition split off for Linux?

bplaut wrote: anyone got instructions for how to do it the "right" way, with a partition split off for Linux?

(These installation instructions presuppose a virgin drive. A good policy is to nuke and pave first if you have an existing install of something.)

1.) Install Windows first. Get it working the way you like it. Leave the rest of the drive blank.

2.) Then install Linux. Most versions of Linux are smart enough to let you just install in the empty space after your Windows partition. Linux will want to set up a root partition and a swap partition. You might want to give /home its own separate partition.

Hope this helps!
Michelle

bplaut wrote: Which one do you download? there are about 20...

(want to try SUSE)

Try Here:
http://iso.linuxquestions.org/distro.php?distro=20