98&Linux

[TrainTrackHack]

How would you suggest I'd setup 98SE and Linux (Probably ubuntu, but I might try out some others) in a dualboot? Does the method work with any linux distro, or does the way to set this up differ between boot loaders...and 1 more q, can you suggest any popular full-fledged distro that works with most apps, preferably one that doesn't use a lot of resources (other that HD space). I found ubuntu kinda...heavy for my oldie. I kinda like the look of KDE...

 

[porterjw]

How would you suggest I'd setup 98SE and Linux (Probably ubuntu, but I might try out some others) in a dualboot?

First, Partition your HDD; you'll want three of them. Make a Windows Partition formatted FAT32, and two that are left unformatted to be used later. Make sure one of the unformatted ones is no larger than 2 GB. Install Windows first to the FAT32 area. After it's done, install Ubuntu. During it's Setup, assign the 2 GB partition you made earlier as Swap, and the other one as Root. Let it run it's course and at the end it will detect Windows and set up a dual-boot menu.

Does the method work with any linux distro, or does the way to set this up differ between boot loaders

Very slight differences, but basically the same.

can you suggest any popular full-fledged distro that works with most apps, preferably one that doesn't use a lot of resources (other that HD space). I found ubuntu kinda...heavy for my oldie. I kinda like the look of KDE...

If you like the feel of Ubuntu, but want a much lighter version, Xubuntu is made specifically for lower-spec systems. Most KDE stuff tends to be a bit heavy (compared to other Linux Distros), but there are some out there that might be to your liking. It's KDE so it's the same basic feel, but some things are different. If you go here: http://distrowatch.com/search.php and scroll down about 1/3 of the way, you can select KDE in the 'Desktop Environment' area and it will list all KDE-based Distros.

 

[TrainTrackHack]

Ok, thanks.
I think somewhere I read that partitions located at the start of the drive (=on the outer tracks) are faster than ones near the end of the drive? If so, would it make any sense to have the linux swap partition at the start of the drive And does it really have to be that big? The computer I'm planning to do this setup on has 512mb ram.

Also, how easy is it to install another linux distro over an existing one without affecting my 98? I might try out other distros later, and want easy and smooth transition without any hassle.

 

[porterjw]

I think somewhere I read that partitions located at the start of the drive (=on the outer tracks) are faster than ones near the end of the drive? If so, would it make any sense to have the linux swap partition at the start of the drive And does it really have to be that big? The computer I'm planning to do this setup on has 512mb ram.

Location of the Swap partition will have miniscule, if any, effect on speed. Even if it does, you will never notice it. Mine is at the beginning of the Drive, but that was purely an OCD decision on my part (2 GB, 7GB, 10GB, 7GB, 10GB looked prettier in Setup than 7, 10, 7, 10, 2, etc.); I know it sounds strange. It doesn't have to be so big. Nowadays, with RAM so cheap and lots of systems having 2+ GB, many folks opt to only run a 256 MB Swap. "In the old days" though, it was generally: Swap = 2x physical RAM. For your system, I'd go by that, so 1024 MB should be fine.

Also, how easy is it to install another linux distro over an existing one without affecting my 98? I might try out other distros later, and want easy and smooth transition without any hassle.

Extremely easy. Just make sure you format the existing Linux partitions first, and install the new Distro to those partitions. The boot loader of the new Distro will detect Windows just as Ubuntu does.

 

[diroga]

If you are setting up a low system resources computer you can use FreeDOS as a win98 DOS replacement and Damn Small Linux. DSL requires less than Xubuntu and it uses .deb package files like ubuntus.

 

[TrainTrackHack]

Why would I want to use FreeDOS instead of 98 DOS? Yea and I've tried installing DSL before, but it wouldn't work...

Thanks for the help.