Can you have both Linux and Windows 7?

Question

I would like to be able to use both Linux and Windows 7. Could I simply boot from a disc with Linux on it, or do I have to install Linux, and then re-install Windows when I'm done? I have never used Linux before, so I wanted to try it without getting rid of my Windows 7 OS.

Answer 1

Yes you could run a liveCD to test it out without actually installing linux. Or you could install VirtualBox on Windows 7 - http://www.virtualbox.org/ and run Linux inside that.

Answer 2

You can use Live CDs and USB sticks for Linux. The problem with installing it to a partition -- aside from that Microsoft doesn't like Linux and has arranged the new Windows 7 update so it removes grub or tries to -- is that when you put grub -- or lilo --on the Master Boot Record it writes some of the information needed to boot windows to the Linux partition, so if you want to remove Linux you have to fix the MBR before you can boot Windows. Just about everyone has a live CD. In fact some distributions like dyne:bolic, Knoppix or DSL (as we call Damn Small Linux affectionately) are only available on Live CDs. USB sticks use flash memory. That is not like the memory you have on your hard drive but you can still put persistent images on them. I'm going to recommend two web sites specifically for putting ANY distribution on a USB Flash drive:



http://www.pendrivelinux.com



Is an old one. It collects and presents information on the topic and can send you to many places which will make it easy to install Linux on a pen drive from ANY OS.



http://boot.kernel.org



is brand new. It's run by the same folks who release the Linux kernel and has a limited selection of USB images available -- but they have easy and straightforward instructions for putting them on, and they are worth trying out. Then you can just set your bios to boot from removable media first and you can use Linux AND Windows all you want.

Answer 3

Ubuntu download is an .iso. You burn a LiveCD and try Linux. If you like, then you can install Linux on its own partition and it also adds a boot loader program that lets you switch. There are plenty of YouTube howtos on how to get rid of an Ubuntu install.



Basically, Linux isn't for everyone, but I love it. I like that I can reach behind the desktop and tweak things and Linux is just more productive if you sweat code like I do. MS, those guys are in business to sell updates. Most of the gripes I hear about Linux is from the gamers.

Answer 4

Install Linux inside Windows



Install Linux Mint as a Dual Boot with Windows without partitioning using mint4win (not available for Linux Mint 8)

http://duncsweb.com/2009/09/27/mint4win-a-wubi-based-installer-of-linux-mint/



Windows 7 run mint4win in Vista compatability mode



You keep Windows as it is, mint4win only adds an extra option to boot into Linux Mint 7.mint4win does not require you to modify the partitions of your PC, or to use a different bootloader, and does not install special drivers. It works just like any other application.



mint4win keeps most of the files in one folder, and if you do not like it, you can simply uninstall it as any other application.



Boot in to windows insert the Linux Mint 7 LiveCD and you will offered the option of installing inside windows which is where the mint4win installer comes in, you will be asked how many gigabytes you wish to allocate to Linux Mint 7 (I recommend 8gb) then you set a password for your installation then click install and thats it.



Once Linux Mint 7 is fully installed upon starting your PC you will be given a choice of which operating system you want to use Windows or Linux Mint 7



As I have already said mint4win is not available for Linux Mint 8



Linux Mint 7 Download

http://www.linuxmint.com/edition.php?id=38



Linux Mint 7 Gloria User Guide

http://www.scribd.com/doc/15884753/Linux-Mint-7-Gloria-User-Guide



Linux Mint 7 can also be run straight from the LiveCD without touching your Hard drive







LUg.

Answer 5

Use the bootable cd for Linux, If you partition and install it, it is a bugger to get out. ~