Two OS's

T0M0 · 28 Feb 2010 at 15:38

Hi,

I am currently running Windows 7 64 bit on my new computer. However, for my university course I need to be able to use Ubuntu.

So I have downloaded Ubuntu 32 bit (couldn't find a 64 bit version on their site) and mounted it onto a bootable DVD.

Is there anyway I can partition space on my 500gb hard drive so I can run two OS's? For example, allocate 420gb to my Windows partition and 80 gb to my Linux partition?

Thanks,
Tom

SiriusB · 28 Feb 2010 at 15:42

The Ubuntu setup will allow you to do this before you install.

Just please, please backup any data you have before you go ahead. Personally I would recommend buying a small HDD just for Ubuntu.

Burnsy2023 · 28 Feb 2010 at 16:24

SiriusB said:
Personally I would recommend buying a small HDD just for Ubuntu.

Or use it in a VM.

zetec452 · 28 Feb 2010 at 16:30

VM it or use Wubi. VM would probably be your best bet for light use. Virtual box is a decent free VM product.

SiriusB · 28 Feb 2010 at 17:43

Burnsy2023 said:
Or use it in a VM.

Indeed

I use VMs all the time. Always forget to recommend them

JonRohan said:
VM it or use Wubi. VM would probably be your best bet for light use. Virtual box is a decent free VM product.

VirtualBox is awesome. I think its better than VMWare, but that's just my own experiences. Either way VB would always be my choice!

T0M0 · 28 Feb 2010 at 17:56

I installed it on my hard drive, so now when I boot up I get an option to run Ubuntu or Windows.

However, I booted up Ubuntu, typed in my password that I set up in installation, but as soon as I got to the desktop, my mouse and keyboard stopped working? They are just plug and play USB ones?

Anyone had this issue before?

theheyes · 28 Feb 2010 at 18:07

I'd seriously look at the Virtualbox + Guest additions option. I run it like this sometimes and you'd hardly know Windows was underneath. More than good enough for a Uni course.

SiriusB · 28 Feb 2010 at 18:39

T0M0 said:
I installed it on my hard drive, so now when I boot up I get an option to run Ubuntu or Windows.

However, I booted up Ubuntu, typed in my password that I set up in installation, but as soon as I got to the desktop, my mouse and keyboard stopped working? They are just plug and play USB ones?

Anyone had this issue before?

You might be better off asking in the Linux sub-forum. I used to use Ubuntu as my main OS and have messed around with it on and off for a while. Never had my keyboard work for loggin in, then have it not work once I reached the Desktop! Very odd.

T0M0 · 28 Feb 2010 at 19:23

Ok, maybe I should do that?

Is it easy to wipe the Ubuntu partition off my drive without effecting Windows files?

Cheers for the responses.

Yeah, would somebody be able to move this to Linux section? Thanks!

SiriusB · 28 Feb 2010 at 20:04

You can format the new partition without any problems. Logically it is a different drive [even if physically it is part of the same HDD] so anything you do there wont touch the C: drive/partition.

You can use something like Partition Magic to merge that partition back into the Windows one.