On Tue, Oct 17, 2006 at 03:38:35AM +0000, dhoward66201 wrote:
>
> 1. Can anyone tell me how to set up a dual boot?
I haven't been following the thread, however, in general, the easiest
way is to install Windows first. Then, install Linux. Let's say you're
going to use Ubuntu. During installation, it will, when it comes time
to install the boot loader, almost certainly detect the Windows system.
It will then automagically set up its bootloader (called Grub) to also
boot Windows.
If you install Windows second, it's a little trickier. Windows will
overwrite the MBR. With many distros (which probbably includes Ubuntu)
you can boot from the CD, choose some sort of rescue option, and
reinstall Grub in the MBR. Anothero option is to use Gag which can be
put on a CD or floppy, and either use the CD or floppy to boot or can be
installed in the hard drive.
None of this is horribly difficult, but to write about it when you might
not need it is trivial, so let us know the situation--that is, will you
install Windows first, is it too late for that, etc.
>
> 2. There does not seem to be a lot of software out there, even
> free, for the Linux operating system. How can I find it?
In Ubuntu, you can use their synaptic program which gives (I think--I
don't use Ubuntu, I've only played with it) a listing of software
divided by category. There are also various lists around of Linux
equivalents to MS software. There really is quite a bit available, what
things seem to be lacking? Ubuntu is based on Debian, which has one of
the largest collections of software.
> 3. Do you have to install software for your particular version of
> Linux or will all software labeled "Linux" run?
Heh. Theoretically the latter, however, especially when you're new, it
can be non-trivial. For example, Ubuntu doesn't include the program
called make, which is necessary for compiling software (though make can
easily be installed.)
In general, especially when you're a newcomer, you're better off
sticking to software packaged for your distribution. In Ubunutu's case,
especially with its great popularity, almost any software created for
Linux will probably have an Ubunutu package. (Not always, of course,
but almost all of the more popular software will have such a package.)
Different distributions do use different types of packaging--for
example, you probably won't be able to install an Ubuntu package
(probably created as a .deb file, IIRC) on RedHat, nor a RedHat .rpm
file on Ubuntu.
--
Scott Robbins
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