For Linux users - how do I configure?

In the final follow-up to my Linux conversion thread (Linux followup - Redhat or SuSE), I am trying to determine how to best configure my system.

I picked up SuSE Pro v8.2 today, and got a dirt-cheap 120GB HD as well (CompUSA - Maxtor for $80 after rebates).

So here's the situation - a 20GB, a 120GB, and I'm considering the dual-boot option (Linux, Win98 as a backup).

Here's my questions:

1. What's the best way to set this up?
2. One OS per physical hard drive? Which on which?
3. What about having to partition the 120GB?
4. And what boot system do I use? (I've seen LILO mentioned...)
5. What about configuring peripherals (eg should I install first, THEN hook up the network, printer, etc?)

I had an 80 gig drive.

I partitioned and formatted 40 for Windows and left 40 free and unpartitioned during the Windows XP install.

Then I booted from the Linux cd and let it automatically partition and format the 40 gigs as it saw fit and it automatically installed Lilo.

As far as configuring, I just let Linux do the work. The only difficult part was setting up Samba to see my Windows shares on my home network.

My advice is to install Windows first, then linux. Be sure to leave plenty of space free and unpartitioned for Linux to install on after you install window. Linux is pretty good at installing on a system that already has other OS's.

Don't go to a lot of trouble installing extra software and configuring networks and stuff until after you get both OS's installed.

Once they are both installed, then you can worry about installing everything else in the way of software. Both Linux and Windows do a good job of detecting most hardware, so don't worry too much about that end of things.

Samba was difficult for me as well, but I think there's a way to allow Samba to be configured via a web-based interface. Much nicer than editing a ton of .conf files... I think it was called SWAT? http://samba.vernstok.nl/htmldocs/SWAT.html

The 20GB hard drive could be used as the virtal RAM drive; set up into two 10GB partitions - one formatted for Linux swap file and the other as FAT32 for the Windows swap file...

I haven't used SuSE's disk partitioner (I use separate drives), but I gather it's slick on everything except NTFS.

Don't use LILO for Win98 - GRUB is better. LILO is better for use with the XP bootloader.

For booting 98: you'll have a lot less trouble leaving it on the primary partition of your primary HD.
You can move this partition from one HD to the other with the parted program, that comes with SuSE and is on the bootable CD. So you can choose which HD should your primary one.
Linux doesn't care on which HD it is, aa it can use both HDs without you ever noticing it.

If you use LiLO as only Bootloader you should create the boot partition in the first 1024 zylinders of your primary HD.
Suse setup won't let you make mistakes with that one.

I would move the content of the 20GIGs HD to the beginning of the new one. Then I would set up SuSE, telling it to use 30Gigs and GRUB as Loader with Dual Boot; ReiserFS or ext3 as File System.
Afterwards I would partititon the remaining space for use with both OSes (i.e. FAT32).
Then I would delete all data on the 20Gigs HD and sell it on ebay.
Edit: the drive, not the data.

Sorry, if this doesn't make sense; I just came back from the Gym and am a little groggy.

and instead just use the single 120 GB, partitioned for both operating systems?

I understand Linux doesn't use drive designators (C:, D:, etc). Will this conflict with Win98 (don't have XP, not going to give M$ the $100 for it either)?

Also, regarding application installation - how do I install Windows programs so that they run in both Win98 and through the WINE functionality? Do I install them under Windows, or Linux, or both?

1. Yes: no need for two HDs
2. No: Linux does know drive letters; the User simply doesn't see them. You'll have to bother with them sometimes , if you copy partitiions or set up tricky software. (hda1 would be the first Partition on the first IDE HD). You can mount those wherever you want.
For example: If hda1 is your windows partition you could mount that one under /windows or /windows/C or /usr/windows ...
The paths have nothing to do with the drive, but you have to tell Linux what's where sometimes.
3. No - you have to (re-)install those under Linux with Wine. Linux can not interpret your Windows-settings.
If you want to use programs with both Systems you have to set up the Software twice.
For hard cases: there are *real* Emulators like VMWare. Those would allow you to run a complete Windows within Linux.

So let me make sure I've got this straight:

1. Install the new hard drive (but do no formatting or anything)
2. Boot from the SuSE CD (by changing the boot device in my BIOS)
3. Partition/format the new drive from within the SuSE installation process.
4. Move the contents of my existing drive C to the new partition I've created for Windows on the new drive.

At this point, when is the GRUB installed? During the Linux install?

What are the next steps?

1. install the new HD
2. boot from the SUSE cd but don't install
3. use parted to move your windows partition to the new HD (this will take some time; howtos are available; look into the docs http://www.gnu.org/manual/parted-1.6.1/html_mono/parted.html)
4. remove your old HD
5. Install Linux
6. AFAIR the default options should be correct; remember to not partition your whole HD, as you might need the space later.


I will go to Bed now, as I have a psychology exam tomorrow and it's 2 AM - sorry. If you have further questions other User will answer, if not: I'll be back tomorrow.

Forgot you were in Germany - good luck on your exam!