-----Original Message----- From: main-admin@lists.blackcatnetworks.co.uk On Behalf Of Kelly Ash Sent: 28 June 2002 09:24 Subject: [Alug] Newbie installing Mandrake

I am a total newbie to Linux and will be installing Mandrake 8.2 soon.

Within all of the reference material I have, it suggests that you install Linux on it's own hard drive whenever possible, and that's what I intend to do. BUT, as I read on, it doesn't refer to a separate drive only how you may need to partition when running Windows on the same machine.

I'm confused!

I have 2 hard drives and am running Windows 98se on one, the other drive is empty and NOT partitioned, awaiting Mandrake's arrival.

First off, does the Linux drive need to be partitioned in any way before the install? And secondly, when I am going through the install for Mandrake will it give me the choice to install on this (second) empty drive?

Thanks in advance for any advice you can give for my questions above, and I'd appreciate any 'pointers' anyone could give that will help me prepare and get through this install!

Kelly

Well you're in good company because that's where I started from. I got into GNU/Linux when I started installing Mandrake 7.0 on my 2nd drive about a year ago. Even though I had some unix sysadmin experience from way back [when you used to shovel coal into the back of the system's unit], I found there was a steep learning curve at first. Being totally paranoid about screwing up my Windoze set-up I used to disconnect my Win HD and only have my other disc connected when doing the install. This also isn't perfect as it's then picked up as hda instead of hdb and... but I'm getting ahead of myself here.

Before you do anything get over to the Linux Documentation Project and download the HowTo's and mini-Howtos. Stick them on your Win setup somewhere. They are an invaluable source of reference. Have a read of those that deal with issues like dual-booting Windows and Linux, hard disk partitioning and (if your 2nd disk is large) also the large disk howto before you get started. Along the way you will probably stumble over all sorts of other interesting bits of info.

Expect to do lots of installs before you get it to your liking. Actually you never quite get it just as you want it because there's always something else really interesting just around the corner :o) It's a bit like learning to play a new piece of music (if you've ever learnt to play a musical instrument), the trick is to keep playing the piece through not worrying about the mistakes. Each time you get to the end go back and review the hard bits and the bits you don't understand. Then figure out how to deal with them and then have another bash. Just make really sure that you have protected and backed up your Windows system.

Expect to use up a lot of your spare time.

Expect to have a lot of fun!!

Let us know how you get on. ____________ Do not fear the arising of thoughts - only be concerned lest your awareness of them be tardy. Zen Saying

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