General Partitioning Help Needed

[Volsfan91]

Hi all. Longtime XP user.

I'm pretty handy with a computer, but you might have to dumb Linux stuff down to my level.

See, I'm looking to maybe install Ubuntu Linux on my computer. I have tried a Live version (matter of fact, I'm on it right now!) of it, and have found a lot to love about the latest version, Edgy Eft. My install of Windows XP has basically slowed to a crawl, and outside of trying the OSX86 project, this is my best option, I feel.

However, others use this computer that aren't nearly as handy with a computer. Something like picking which HDD partition to boot from could prove cumbersome.

So this is what I'm wondering:
Is there anyway to partition my hard drive in this way: could I partition, say, 20 or so gigs for Linux. By default, my computer would still boot Windows XP. However, whenever needed, I could just hit ESC at bootup to get into my boot menu and boot to Linux.

Is there anyway to do this?

Thanks, and I think I'll become a frequenter of these forums.

[Juan Pablo]

Yes, you just add "hiddenmenu" in /boot/grub/menu.lst and set the default boot to Windows. Very simple

[Volsfan91]

When I'm doing a new partition in GParted, should I set it as a Primary or Extended partition to achieve what I want?

[devils casper]

When I'm doing a new partition in GParted, should I set it as a Primary or Extended partition to achieve what I want?

create new partition as Logical in Extended partition. Only windows need Primary Partition. you can install Linux in Logical as well as Primary.




casper

[Volsfan91]

Would this be correct?

[devils casper]

yes ! its correct... go ahead. during installation, select 'unpartitioned/Free space for install'.




Good Luck !!!
casper