help? partions and linux based OS

[jasonz]

Ok, not that i do much business on my comp,(i do a lot of media, photo editing and web browsing), but im sick of windows. I just reinstalled the OS, and the help crashes every time i try to use it, my Ruckus media player will not work, and log off is slow and sometimes i have to shut down manually. The only software i have installed are the very well known security programs, Google's Picasa, and Ruckus player. Its not like I am losing valuable time , but it is extremely annoying having to restart an application so many times or not at all. When i did the system recovery, I saw where i can partion the HD. I have some experience with Linux from using it at school. I would like to try one of the free linux based programs, having windows on one partion and the other OS on another. Is this possible, and if so what do I need to do. How much should i partion for each OS, and how do i go from one to the other(which one will boot)? At first, I just want the use the linux based to get to know it, and i want to use Windows for my music and stuff. Then, if i like it and its not too hard i will switch more space over. Also, how many programs are available for linux(the free apps more specifically), and if i run that OS will i need all the same security as with Windows? What are some good free ones that others use.

Thanks for anyone who takes the time to read this and help.
-Jasonz

 

[patrickv]

well u can start of with suse or ubuntu or PClinuxOS or even Freespire.20gb will do for linux even less depends on the amount of software u gonna install. all linux programs are free except some commercial ones. yes u can have windows on a partition and linux on the other.Make ur machine dual boot.Anways if u have windows install first just install linux on the other partition.grub or lilo (bootloader) will configure this automatically so when you restart ur PC you have a selection of what u gonna use (linux or win)..ok security in linux is not an issue if you're not a server but its good to have a firewall on.thats is enough. for free linux programs go to www.tucows.com. Also u have to setup your software package manager properly (yum,yast,smart,synaptic etc..) to be ale to install win codecs, dvd players, dvd play back,mp3,wma etc...

Hope all that helps...lol

 

[_simon_]

With Ubuntu you can install codecs etc with EasyUbuntu.

http://easyubuntu.freecontrib.org/overview.html

Ubuntu: http://www.ubuntu.com/
Ubuntu support forum: http://www.ubuntuforums.org

Before you partition, make sure that you defrag.

You can either create your partition in Windows or most Linux distros have a partitioner on the install CD. You'll also find that some distros have a Live CD or Desktop CD so that you can run the OS from the CD or DVD to try it / see what works before installing. Ubuntu does offer a Desktop CD which is the Live CD and an installer, it will all fit on one CD.