Hope this goes here

[62 52 53 53]

I have a win98 computer and I also want linux on it. Since I don't want to put a floppy in every time it boots, I want to know how to make it so that it will boot in windows without a boot disk unless I do something to cause it to boot in Linux. (ex: menu such as the safe mode one which has a default (win), lasts 5 seconds and then boots unless it recieves input, and also has a linux option.) Also, a friend wants to know if there is a linux equivalent text program which is Word compatible.

[NETWizz]

Here is what to do:

Usign Partician Magic, Disk Drake, or DrakeX, resize your windows partician and create another partician for Linux if you do not already have one.

Be careful not to mess up your windows partician. If asked what kind of partician to make, select Linux (ext 2)

Now, install Linux to the empty partician. The easiest way is with a Mandrake or RedHat CD.

After installing Linux, you may need to type LILO at the console, or the cd may automatically configure the boot process.

When your computer boots, you will be ased wheather to boot into Windows or Linux.

If you do not want anyone to know you use linux, type fdisk /mbr to rebuild the windows boot record. You will no loger see the option.

To get back into Linux, boot off of a boot disk, when asked, inseart the root disk. Now, type LILO, shutdown -h now

Eject the disk and press any key to reboot. Select Linux and you will be back to Linux.

[62 52 53 53]

1: Will I need the Linux disk every time I want to run linux if i make it so people can't see the option
2: I won't need the windows disk, Right?
3: is it possible to install linux and then move the partition without creating problems(ex: if I decide linux needs more filespace)
4: Will windows boot if I don't choose whether or not to run linux (I have to make it so that the other people who use the computer don't hav to do anything to run win. Idiot proofing)

[NETWizz]

1. LILO will show itself, so you may need a disk.
2. You should not need a windows disk unless you mess up the boot record such as overwrite it. If you do overwrite the boot record, do not worry, simply put in a win disk, boot and type fdisk /mbr

3. With Linux, it is definatly possible to move particians. You can use DrakeX or Diskdrake Linux programs. As for creating problems, that is extremely unlikely becasue Linux programs do not usually get upset when moved. Chances are, all your programs will be installed in /bin becasue that is where the binaries go, but you you create a directory within bin, and log on as root, you can install stuff there.

If you move a program between mounts, Linux programs are unlikely to get upset because they usually treat their mount as the root. Look up chroot linux command.

4. LILO will make a decision after a delay if you do not choose. If think you may beable to configure it to automatically boot windows if the user takes no action. If LILO cannot do what you want, use GRUB.

Finally, you cannot make anything idiot proof, but if you booted strait into Linux, you could set users up with their own GUI environment in KDE. You could set their permissions and restrictions, and simply make sure they do not have root access.

At least then, they theoretically can only mess up their account At least you will not login to your account and see a bunch of software someone else installed.

Take my sister for instance, she installs everything any website says needs to be installed.

Over the years, we have had Gator, commet cursor, clock update, performance boster (more of a mess up my configureations program), Kazza, and a bunch of other garbage like Casino Explorer, SaveNow, Network Essentials, download accelerator (pops up ads when you download stuff have not figured out how it is supposed to work considering you see hundreds of ads taking up bandwidth)

It is a full time chore removing this stuff sience we use Win 98 for our family PC. One thing I have learned for sure is that it is much easier to install software than remove it (especially if no provisions were made for removal). I wish my dad would let me install either Win 2k, Win XP, or Linux w/KDE on the family computer, but for some reason, he likes 98 the best. Maybe if I stop fixing all of the problems that occur, in a few months he will be begging for me to do something.

[62 52 53 53]

I meant that I want it so that it boots to windows by default so that I would not have everyone ask the question: "It asks whether to boot into windows or linux. What should I choose?" "what do I need a windows disk for?"

[NETWizz]

You do not need a windows disk unless you mess up your windows boot record.

[62 52 53 53]

Of course I don't, because it follows my definition of "Idiotproof" as far as the scenerio is concerned.

[NETWizz]

Ofcourse it is idiotproof unless you are the root user.

[62 52 53 53]

Well if it's idiot proof except for one thing, and the idiot can't use that, then it seems idiotproof