[Ntwiles]

I've got a new HP on the way and I'm wondering what to do about the OS. It's running Windows 7, but I've grown very fond of Ubuntu for the couple months I've been using it. I also miss programs like Photoshop though so it would be very nice to go back to Windows. I was thinking about partitioning and setting up both OS's, but I don't know anything about dual-booting at all. I had a couple questions before I tried to figure it out.

I know Ubuntu is much more secure than Windows (mostly because people just don't make viruses for it), but I don't know if a program I download while running Ubuntu can effect Windows and still get me a virus. How does that work? I also know partitioning can be dangerous if you do it wrong, but exactly how easy is it to screw up? Lastly, how much space can you lose from partitioning like this? Will I be able to allocate much more space to the Windows partition and only a little to the Ubuntu one? Thanks (:

[g-weebens]

Use a live CD with qtparted or gparted on it to resize the system.

1) Make the backup disks before using the partition editor.
2) Boot from the live CD and go to the partition editor.
3) Remove the backup partition.
4) Move the main partition as far to the right as possible.
5) Create a primary partition minus 512M for the new root system.
6) Create a swap partition of 512M.
7) Commit the changes.
8) Use the NTFS tools to check the moved partition.
9) Reboot and place the Ubuntu install disc into the tray.

From here, you can follow whatever tutorials you have read on installing Ubuntu.

[Ntwiles]

Thanks for the information. I'm not exactly asking how to do it though. I'm on the fence about doing it I was just trying to get some input on it.

[g-weebens]

No you cannot get a virus from Ubuntu to the Windows installation unless:
1) You run as sudo all of the time.
2) The partition is mounted and available to evryone to read and write.
3) You browse sites with your privacy wide open.
4) You use IRC foolishly.
5) And you do all of the above at the same time.

It's as easy to screw up as it is not to. Practice in a virtual machine first.
You have a quick tutorial to follow.

Depending on the size you have and want. Try for space used plus 25% for the Windows installation if possible. A comfortable Linux install should be 15G or more on a primary partition mounted on /(the root system) only.

Ubuntu is popular; but, it is not the choice to go for if you want security or modularity. The default use of sudo is not a good policy. Wayland over Xorg is in beta testing.

If you have it installed, try running Debian, Gentoo, or Slackware in virtual box. Build the system from the ground up.
Visit the forums of each distribution and ignore the off-topic and political BS. Subscribe to the mailing lists.

There. Information, feedback, and useful advice.

[mrloserskid]

Ntwiles, on 13 January 2011 - 11:35 PM, said:

I've got a new HP on the way and I'm wondering what to do about the OS. It's running Windows 7, but I've grown very fond of Ubuntu for the couple months I've been using it. I also miss programs like Photoshop though so it would be very nice to go back to Windows. I was thinking about partitioning and setting up both OS's, but I don't know anything about dual-booting at all. I had a couple questions before I tried to figure it out.

I know Ubuntu is much more secure than Windows (mostly because people just don't make viruses for it), but I don't know if a program I download while running Ubuntu can effect Windows and still get me a virus. How does that work? I also know partitioning can be dangerous if you do it wrong, but exactly how easy is it to screw up? Lastly, how much space can you lose from partitioning like this? Will I be able to allocate much more space to the Windows partition and only a little to the Ubuntu one? Thanks (:

If you want to do a fresh install of both, just isntall windows then run wubi to install ubuntu. this automaticly installs ubuntu no partitioning needed.
if you dont want to do a fresh install read the other post.

[jvdubn]

I decided to dive in to a win 7 and Ubuntu dual boot. I found a great tutorial that made sure that the windows boot manager was used. Its a good experience to play with another os. I dont use the Ubuntu as much because of lack of support for my drivers but occasionally its fun to change it up.

[CheckersW]

I've got a Windows7/Ubuntu11.04 Dual boot at home.

The best tip I ever got with it was stated by mrloserskid above, but it's important enough that I'll say it again (in case you gloss over his post):

Windows FIRST
Ubuntu SECOND

Reformat your hard drive (after backing up obviously), then install Windows giving it a set partition (don't let it use the whole disk), THEN install Ubuntu over the remaining space. Ubuntu is lovely and friendly with its install process, but Windows likes to be first. You'll encounter far fewer problems this way.

As far as "How to do it" goes, this is what I did (in case you care ):
1: Back up all data I want to keep when moving onto my new system
2: Install windows 7 installation CD
3: Boot from CD (if unsure how, Google it. It's really not too hard)
4: Use windows' install wizard to reformat your entire hard drive
5: Create a partition for Windows (say, 50% of disk space)
6: Follow the wizard to complete installation
7: Swap installation CD with Ubuntu Installation CD, turn computer off and on again
8: Boot from CD
9: Use Ubuntu install wizard to create a partition using the remaining space on the hard drive
9.1: Say a prayer to the open source gods thanking them for Linus Torvalds (optional, recommended)
10: Follow Ubuntu installation wizard (also very straightforward)

And there you have it. When you turn your computer on from now on, you should be brought to a screen (powered by GRUB I think) that lets you choose which OS to boot from (for some reason mine has like 8 linux ones to choose from, and one "Windows 7 Loader" -- it doesn't matter which linux one you choose). Too easy.