dual boot linux and xp? or just linux alone?

[luffy99]

I know there are many threads about dual boot linux windows. I did a search but couldn't find for this specific question.
I'm planning to use Puppy Linux as my main OS on my P4 machine. I asked a friend of mine who knows Linux very well.
I asked should I install Puppy alone on my P4 machine? He told me that I should dual boot with XP because sometimes Linux alone does not compatible with graphic card, sound card, Ethernet adapter, etc...
If dual boot Linux with Windows. They both can share the same drivers. Is it true?

[coopstah13]

there is no driver sharing, drivers for windows don't work on linux and vice versa (except ndiswrapper for wireless)

if all your stuff works in puppy, then its fine

[luffy99]

For example, if I install new update for graphic card on XP. Then I boot to Linux. Will Linux run on that new update of graphic card?

[oz]

For example, if I install new update for graphic card on XP. Then I boot to Linux. Will Linux run on that new update of graphic card?

Hello and welcome!

If you install a new driver for the graphics card under Windows, Linux won't be able to take advantage of that driver, as it needs its own driver for the graphics card, but doing so shouldn't keep Linux from booting, either, if Linux booted prior to installing the Windows driver.

Hope that makes sense.

[luffy99]

It's clear now.
Thank you.