How do i install linux onto my computer?

[davie23223]

I would like to keep my windows xp operating system. Is it possible to install linux on my computer? Is it possible to have 2 stable operating systems in one computer?

 

[houssam_ballout]

yeah you can had.
Make sure that you can partition your disk for the Linux OS and for the swap which is 1.5*RAM, so when you install Linux onto that free drive, it will install the Boot loader which could be GRUB or LILO, that allow you to run multiple Operating System on your computer.
You must had the Linux distribution bootable disk?

 

[dznutz]

question.

if i were to install linux i have to create this swap file whereas if it's another microsoft OS i don't have to create the swap file?

 

[Matt_91]

Correct, Linux uses a seperate partition for it's swap area. Windows creates a file for the information. The swap partition or file is where the unused memory goes when your RAM is running out of space.
Edit: anyone else feel free to correct me if I'm wrong but I'm fairly sure I'm right

 

[porterjw]

Make sure that you can partition your disk for the Linux OS and for the swap which is 1.5*RAM

The '1.5x' or '2x' adage is being phased out. With physical RAM becoming go cheap, most systems will have enough to go with a smaller Swap partition. If you have up to 1 gig of RAM, make your Swap 2x that amount. If you have over 1 Gig of RAM, you can make it less.

Why do you want to rush in and install a Linux Distro? Most of them have the option to make a Live CD. The purpose of a Live CD is that you can run the entire OS from the CD (albeit with longer load times, just so your fore-warned) beore doing an actual install. For a first-time Linux user of any Distro, I would recommend that if the Distro you choose offers a Live CD download, take it and try it out first before jumping in and changing partitions.

Edit: anyone else feel free to correct me if I'm wrong but I'm fairly sure I'm right

You are correct.