Putting Linux and Windows on a single hard disk

BOOT POLISHING

Article from Issue 57/2005
Author(s):

When two systems share a single computer, a boot manager handles the prompts that determine which system to boot. We’ll show you several multiple boot scenarios and describe how to set up your system for dual booting Linux with Windows.

If you need applications such as Dreamweaver, Microsoft Office, or some modern games, and you don’t like the idea of using Wine or VMware, you may just have to resort to using a Windows system. And if you run your Windows system along with Linux on a dual boot PC, you need to set up your boot manager to choose which operating system to boot. Luckily, there is no need to purchase commercial software, as more or less any Linux distribution will give you the tools you need for a sucessful dual boot configuration. The Lilo boot manager, which used to be the principal Linux boot management system, has almost completely surrendered its boot monopoly to Grub (Grand Unified Bootloader) [1]. The Gnu/ HURD boot manager has many more features than the simpler Lilo manager. Besides filesystem support, Grub also has an integrated command line, which allow users to boot the installed operating systems even if the menu file is faulty or has been accidentally deleted.

Buy this article as PDF

Express-Checkout as PDF
Price $2.95
(incl. VAT)

Buy Linux Magazine

SINGLE ISSUES
 
SUBSCRIPTIONS
 
TABLET & SMARTPHONE APPS
Get it on Google Play

US / Canada

Get it on Google Play

UK / Australia

Related content

  • Ask Klaus!

    Klaus Knopper is the creator of Knoppix and co-founder of LinuxTag expo. He works as a teacher, programmer, and consultant. If you have a configuration problem, or if you just want to learn more about how Linux works, send your questions to: klaus@linux-magazine.com

  • In-Depth Security

    More than just a boot manager, GRUB 2 can help you add another line of protection to your security defenses.

  • Win8/Linux Dual-Boot

    Although getting Windows to play nice with an existing Linux installation is difficult, with a few tricks, you can set up Windows 8 to dual-boot with Linux.

  • Rescatux Rescue Disk

    If your computer fails to boot, you need a helping hand. Rescatux combines proven repair and rescue tools.

  • ASK KLAUS!

    Klaus Knopper is the creator of Knoppix and co-founder of the LinuxTag expo. He currently works as a teacher, programmer, and consultant. If you have a configuration problem, or if you just want to learn more about how Linux works, send your questions to: klaus@linux-magazine. com

comments powered by Disqus
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters

Support Our Work

Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.

Learn More

News