On Sat, 12 Apr 2008 04:57:37 -0700, Magnus.Moraberg wrote:

> I have XP on my computer. I have burned the installer on a CD -
>
> http://www.debian.org/distrib/netinst
>
> My computer has a single 80G hard drive. How much memory at least will I
> need in your opinion for Linux.
>
> How can I install linux without loosing anything currently on my
> computer?

Before you do anything, do some reading. In fact, do a lot of reading.
I recommend RUNNING LINUX, 5th edition (O'Reilly) as a first choice.
After going through that book a couple times, you'll have a better
understanding of Linux and the install process. If you try to install
Linux right now without a good knowledgebase, you'll probably hose your
Windows install.

Also, read the Debian User and Install Manual. It's available on the
Debian web site.

As to how much space you need on the hard drive for Linux: That really
depends on what you intend to do. If it's just e-mail, web, light
business stuff, etc., not much. I have Debian Etch dualing booting with
Windows 2000 Pro on an old Thinkpad 240X with a 12 gig hard drive. W2k
has 3 gigs, Debian 8.5 and 512MB swap. The total Debian install, apps
and all system stuff, uses about 2 gigs. The rest is for data. However,
it was a very custom, app by app, install unlike a "Default" install,
which will put a lot of stuff on your HD that you'll NEVER need or use.
So, for a "Dfault" install allow about 4 gigs for system files and
applications, then about double that, at least, for data and personal
files. However, if you intend to store music files, movies and such,
you'll need a LOT more space above what the system requires.

So, play it safe. Be patient. Read and study. Then install. Plus, I'd
recommend that you install a second hard drive to put Linux on. Unlike
Windows, Linux doesn't have to be on the first partition of the first
drive to be happy. Also, by using a second drive, you don't have to
resize the Windows partition to make room for Linux, which has inherent
problems of its own.


Stef