2 quick linux questions...

Mark M · 13 Jun 2008 at 16:38

1) Ive read you can dual boot so you have the option of XP and linux? If so is there anything I need to do to make sure this happens and windows doesnt get removed?

2) How do I set up a linux machine so that windows machines can access files on it? Similar to file sharing on XP?

Oh, and a cheeky third question. Is Linux as easy to set up access to the interent as windows is? Ie it currently is connected to a router with cat5 cable so will the internet just "work"

Thanks and appologies for my noobie questions

Mark M · 13 Jun 2008 at 20:56

Ethics said:
All of these questions are easily answered through googling, not being an arse but research is an important skill when learning a Linux Distro

1) Yes its possible, you need to make sure you don't install the distro to the same partition as windows, then you need a boot manager like lilo or GRUB, and that's normally installed to the MBR. It depends what distro you are using, most do it by default now.

2) Check out Samba, very easy and very powerful.

3) bit of a ropey question really, the distro detrmines what method you use, you can edit the text files manualyl and its very easy or use a GUI for it

Thanks for the reply, I did search for "dual boot linux and windows" but it come up with so much stuff that I didnt have a clue about that it was almost like reading Chinese!! Distros, GPart, Gnomes, grubs...I could go on.

The point of my post was to first make sure its possible to do everything I wanted before I jumped in feet first into something that looks like its going to take me quite a while, based on what Ive read so far, only to find out that I might as well have not bothered.

But seeing as how it does everything I need I will look into everything further.

Mark M · 16 Jun 2008 at 14:10

Right, another quick question.

Ive downloaded the live CentOs CD and managed to boot into it but how do I install it from there or have I downloaded the wrong file?

Thanks

Mark M · 16 Jun 2008 at 14:59

Its for a mail server, or should I say will be for a mail server once I get to grips with it.

Mark M · 16 Jun 2008 at 15:49

Thanks for taking the time to look. I did have a search about and found a guide for 5.1 on the same site

http://www.howtoforge.com/installation-guide-centos5.1-desktop

However, as its my furst linux install Im just wondering what files I need to download? I went with the live cd but is that the wrong one or is there a way I can install it from that cd?

Also I need to keep windows xp on there and Im getting a bit confused with the partitions but busy reading up on that.

Thanks.