linux question - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

theguyondacouch · 08-08-2003, 06:42 PM

I am really thinking about downloading mandrake linux, but I was wondering, If I don't like it, can I just delete it and go back to windows? And how would i go about this? Just reinstall windows?

Flippy · 08-08-2003, 06:51 PM

Of course

Just format your drive (might need to fdisk if its partitioned), and pop your windows cd in, and it should be as good as new (note - you should make sure you *always* have a boot disk for this purpose)

Its also possible to dual boot linux and windows. From personal experience, the Mandrake install is very friendly and will automatically (if i remember correctly) add windows to the boot menu (lilo).

Another thing you could do that's a feature of Mandrake Linux is Linux for Windows, which basically runs Linux on your FAT32 (I don't know if NTFS is supported) drive. I've never tried this, but I've heard it works well for people interested in trying Linux out.

My final suggestion would be to use something like VMWare (www.vmware.com) which allows you to run Linux within Windows, in a virtual pc environment. I've tried this before, and it works very well, especially since you can customize the hardware that's available to the virtual machine. Also, you can mount *.iso's (CD images) as virtual CD-Rom drives.

yakimushi · 08-08-2003, 06:57 PM

If you really want to "try" Linux, I suggest you try Knoppix (www.knoppix.org)

Its boots from a CD and has a good range of applications so you can get a nice feel.

Best of all, you don't have to do anything to your hard drive. Don't like Linux? Unmount the CD, reboot, and go back to Windows.

Like it? Bust out a partition manager and make some space for your new OS.

Go nuts!

wombatman · 08-08-2003, 07:09 PM

I actually have Mandrake Linux and Windows XP Pro dual booting on a laptop. Just download the 3 Mandrake ISOs and put the first one in. Go on from there.

Zargix · 08-08-2003, 07:37 PM

i have mandrake and windows on my computer too. dual booting is the best. especially because my fucking sucky-ass shitfaced retarded wireless card only supports windows, even though it says ON THE BOX that it is linux compatable. and they won't take it as a return. motherfucking fat assed fucked up shit headed sons of bitches!

08-09-2003, 12:07 AM

If you install linux on a second hardrive and have window on the first hard drive will lilo screw anything up when you get rid of linux?

08-08-2003, 06:42 PM	#1 (permalink)
theguyondacouch salmon? Location: Outside Providence	linux question I am really thinking about downloading mandrake linux, but I was wondering, If I don't like it, can I just delete it and go back to windows? And how would i go about this? Just reinstall windows? __________________ "Lick my frozen metal ass!"

08-08-2003, 07:09 PM	#4 (permalink)
wombatman Insane	Mandrake I actually have Mandrake Linux and Windows XP Pro dual booting on a laptop. Just download the 3 Mandrake ISOs and put the first one in. Go on from there.

08-08-2003, 06:51 PM	#2 (permalink)
Flippy Banned Location: Greater Vancouver	Of course Just format your drive (might need to fdisk if its partitioned), and pop your windows cd in, and it should be as good as new (note - you should make sure you always have a boot disk for this purpose) Its also possible to dual boot linux and windows. From personal experience, the Mandrake install is very friendly and will automatically (if i remember correctly) add windows to the boot menu (lilo). Another thing you could do that's a feature of Mandrake Linux is Linux for Windows, which basically runs Linux on your FAT32 (I don't know if NTFS is supported) drive. I've never tried this, but I've heard it works well for people interested in trying Linux out. My final suggestion would be to use something like VMWare (www.vmware.com) which allows you to run Linux within Windows, in a virtual pc environment. I've tried this before, and it works very well, especially since you can customize the hardware that's available to the virtual machine. Also, you can mount *.iso's (CD images) as virtual CD-Rom drives.

08-08-2003, 06:57 PM	#3 (permalink)
yakimushi Addict	If you really want to "try" Linux, I suggest you try Knoppix (www.knoppix.org) Its boots from a CD and has a good range of applications so you can get a nice feel. Best of all, you don't have to do anything to your hard drive. Don't like Linux? Unmount the CD, reboot, and go back to Windows. Like it? Bust out a partition manager and make some space for your new OS. Go nuts!

08-08-2003, 07:37 PM	#5 (permalink)
Zargix Crazy Location: Everywhere, Simultaniously	i have mandrake and windows on my computer too. dual booting is the best. especially because my fucking sucky-ass shitfaced retarded wireless card only supports windows, even though it says ON THE BOX that it is linux compatable. and they won't take it as a return. motherfucking fat assed fucked up shit headed sons of bitches!

08-09-2003, 12:07 AM	#6 (permalink)
ass5577 Guest	If you install linux on a second hardrive and have window on the first hard drive will lilo screw anything up when you get rid of linux?