Member Avatar for Dark_Omen

Hello,

I am new to Linux, actually I really want to check it out to see if I like it, but I don't know how to install it. I downloaded Fedora Core 5 the DVD version and burned the image file, now what? Should i buy another hard drive to install linux on? How do I configure a dual boot scenerio so I can still use Windows XP? Well those are the primary concerns I have right now, any help would be great.

Thanks

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Dani AI

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Short summary and practical path

Fedora Core 5 (the DVD you burned) is a 2006 release and is long out of support — not a good choice for a secure, connected machine today. If the goal is to learn Linux, either run your FC5 ISO inside a virtual machine or use a current, supported distribution (modern Fedora or an Ubuntu LTS). No extra hard drive is strictly required for a dual‑boot; a single disk with separate partitions is normal — but back up everything first. Fedora Core 5 release notes (archive). Fedora release EOL policy. (archive.fedoraproject.org)

Recommended sequence (safe, minimal surprises)

  1. Full backup + create Windows recovery media.
  2. In Windows run CHKDSK (schedule /f) so the NTFS filesystem is clean before resizing.
  3. Boot a GParted Live USB/CD and shrink the Windows partition to create unallocated space, then create Linux partitions (root, swap and optionally /home). Using GParted Live to resize is safer than trying to resize from the installer on a mounted filesystem. GParted Live - create a USB. Why run CHKDSK first (community guide). (gparted.org)

Installer, GRUB and simple recovery

Boot the Fedora installer (or better: a current Fedora/Ubuntu installer). The installer’s bootloader step (Anaconda) will normally install GRUB to the MBR and add a Windows entry that chainloads the Windows bootloader. If Windows doesn’t show, GRUB supports chainloading and manual menu entries; if the Windows bootloader is damaged you can restore it with Windows recovery tools and then reinstall GRUB from rescue. See the GNU GRUB manual for chainloading and reinstall instructions. GNU GRUB manual. (gnu.org)

Notes tied to the thread

As found, many people prefer trying Ubuntu — that’s a valid route for a smoother first experience. ’s suggestion to read how‑tos is sound; ’s PartitionMagic tip is dated and commercial — prefer GParted Live today. Quick checklist: backup, recovery media, chkdsk, GParted shrink, install and test; if unsure, experiment in a VM first.

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Member Avatar for ardentsunshine

Hello,

I am new to Linux, actually I really want to check it out to see if I like it, but I don't know how to install it. I downloaded Fedora Core 5 the DVD version and burned the image file, now what? Should i buy another hard drive to install linux on? How do I configure a dual boot scenerio so I can still use Windows XP? Well those are the primary concerns I have right now, any help would be great.

Thanks

OOH NT is difficult to multiboot. There are some good howtos on this sort of thing at http://tldp.org

Member Avatar for Dark_Omen

What about using the bootloader that comes with FC5, GRUB (?), does anybody know if that works well or if i should do it another way?

Member Avatar for linux

if you partitian your hard drive i think you can install fedore core (x) with windows on it at the same time. dont use the windows partitianer, use something like particianmagic ($70 i think).

Member Avatar for Dark_Omen

Well grub does it for you, and actually I abandoned FC all together, because I found that Ubuntu was a lot better (in my opinion) and I actually got all (or most) of the configurations right.

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