How to install Linux in a pc with vista already installed?

Hello I'd like to install Kdevelop (this is only for linux i.e. Fedora) on my Laptop that already got Vista installed, I don't want to lose any data of my Vista and I don't have any partition already done...

Thanks in advance

 

So you want to have linux installed aswell? You can have a dual boot system after you make another partition, and you'll be asked what OS you want to run every time you start your computer.

 

So... what programs and steps should I follow then?

 

Ok this is what I know

You need to make 2 Partitions 1 Linux X3 and 1 Swap Partition (Linux Format) the swap partition should double of ur RAM size example: if u have 1 GB RAM then ur Swap Drive shld be of 2 GB


thats all u need I guess

 

For a first time user I'd advice using a live cd from a fairly simple (not as in features, but as in "first time user" friendly) such as Ubuntu.

Then you have to edit your partitions, with Gparted for example.

First make your windows partition smaller.
Then make 2 or 3 partitions extra with this rule:
- partition for all the system files etc etc, if you choose 2 partitions, also the home folder
- if you make 3, put the home folder here, easy when changing to another distribution or when you upgrade.
- the swap partition, 1.5 - 2 times memory. (you need this, but if you use linux normally and you have acceptable memory, you will use it a lot less then in windows)

If you need more help, just ask here or go to the tons of linux forums, IRC

 

Thanks for the replies, but what I'd need is someone that already had this problem and solved it...

 

If all your looking for is a KDE environment you can use cygwin.

 

You can partition off parts off your hard drive using tools like norton partition magic and the like, there's probably some other tools out there.

 

If you want to have both Windows and Linux then the only way would be to partition your drive (1 part for windows, 1 part for linux) do a google search you will find some answers on how to do this...If you just want to play around with linux I suggest checking out Knoppix. Throw the knoppix cd in your cd rom and boot up and you will be in linux

 

If you decide to dual-boot vista and linux check out colinux. It lets you boot linux from inside windows. I don't have any experience with vista so it may not be supported. I use it on XP all the time.

 

i had tried this on xp since i had no partitions it asked me to format the drives and stuff than i didnt continue since i had imp files

 

I think I'll get a linux live cd with kdevelop included, Knoppix doesnt include it nor Ubuntu and I dont want to download (apt get or whatever) to use kdevelop.

Any linux live cd suggestion that already includes kdevelop?

 

There's no need to have kdevelop included on the distro, it's not part of the distro choice, you just yum/apt-get or whatever it

 

if u intend to install it on the same hdd with windows then you must leave some unpartitioned space before installing windows or use some third party software like partition magic post installation.

if you'd like to install it on a separate hdd then during installation linux prompts you to configure boot options so you put the boot info to the windows partition. this will make linux boot first and then let you choose the OS to boot.

 

hi Zerosleep can u plz tell me the reason for having the swap size double the ram?

 

everyone sais that, even for windows. because to be sure that you have enough space