choosing your OS at startup

[prejudged_fire]

hey guys. I use Windows and I am about to install Linux on to my computer as well. I want to be able to use them both. I was wondering if, after I install it, I will be able to choose the OS I want to use when I start my computer. I heard somewhere that you have to download a program that allows you to choose it when you boot. I just want to make sure before I install so does your computer automatically have a thing that lets you choose the OS or do I need a program and if so, what program do I need? Thanks in advance

[lakerdonald]

I have never heard of a distro that doesn't install a bootloader ( at least by default ), which is the program of which you speak.

[smolloy]

What distribution of linux are you planning to install??

Most of the recent releases will handle this for you and will install a bootloader onto your computer. This is simply a program that lets you choose between different OS's (including windows) when you turn on your computer. The two most common bootloaders used are GRUB and LILO, and there is a lot of information out there if you search for it.

As I said, most linux distros will take care of this for you -- just make sure you select the option to install the bootloader (grub or lilo) to the MBR (Master Boot Record I think) of the computer. Easy

[prejudged_fire]

ok thanks guys