Hi,
I would like to install openSUSE on a PC running Windows XP and use an Operating System Selection Menu to select which os I want to run. The os menu program searches for installed OSs and puts them on a menu. How should I install openSUSE on a machine already running Windows XP?
KC
use an Operating System Selection Menu
What is this??
You should back up important data. Then defrag windows
Use the SUSE DVD to install and it will do the shrinking of XP and partitioning for you
NEW Users - Suse-11.2 Pre-installation – PLEASE READ - openSUSE Forums
use an Operating System Selection Menu
I think the OP is referring to a multi-OS boot menu - what we know as Grub.
caf is right, as far as he goes. I’ll add some, but DON’T start without doing a backup and a defrag!!! (Like caf sez, ok?)
Download and burn 3 - 5 Live CDs, from different distros that you think may be attractive to you. For Linux beginners, the usual suspects are Ubuntu, Fedora, and openSuSE (my preference). Your next step will be to boot from each of these, to see which one works best with your machine(s). Things to check are your browser of choice, video compatibility (does it work?), wifi working, and maybe some other stuff you want. Remember that with Ubuntu you will have to take extra steps to enable Flash and Java, but these steps are not difficult. The reason you do this is because, if the live CD runs ok, you can configure an install to run ok, too. Pick one of the distros to install. My next advice is to stick with that distro through the first learning phases (a few months, at least). There will be some differences in how each does things, and your learning curve will be steeper if you “distro-hop” early on.
Once you have picked a distro, check that distro’s forum for “How-To-Install”. If you again decide on openSuSE (wise choice) you will visit, in our forum:New User How To/FAQ (read only) - openSUSE Forums. Please read these even if you don’t think you need to. There is far more in those docs than one would think from the titles, and there are currently only 4 docs there (in the advanced, and this is what you want). So, easy reading, won’t take up a lot of time.
Once you are actually installing, the install program will offer partitioning so you have hard drive space to make this happen, and it will install your multi-OS boot selection menu - usually Grub.
[QUOTE=caf4926;2101430] What is this? (Operating System Selector menu)
The Operating System Selector menu is software that inspects a PC’s storage devices(internal drives, Express Crad, Flash card, DVD) and detects OSes. It lists them on a menu from which one can be selected manually.
[QUOTE=caf4926;2101430]You should back up important data.
I would like to improve the procedure I use for detecting obsoltet files files before performing deletion, degrag, and backup.
IQUOTE=caf4926;2101430] openSUSE 11.1 will shrink XP partition
Initially I would like to control drive partitioning manually before automating the process.
[QUOTE=spokesinger;2101478]I think the OP is referring to a multi-OS boot menu - what we know as Grub.
No, I’m referring to the Operating System Selector feature in Acronis Disk Dirtector Suite 10, but maybe I should use Grub.
[QUOTE=spokesinger;2101478]your learning curve will be steeper if you “distro-hop” early on.
I want to start with openSUSE
[QUOTE=spokesinger;2101478]If you decide on openSuSE visit, New User How To/FAQ (read only) - openSUSE Forums.
Done - printed Installation - OpenSUSE 11.0 WinXP Dual Boot 
Thank you for replying to me. Life is good.
KC
OpenSUSE 11.0 WinXP Dual Boot
Does this mean you are planning to install openSUSE 11.0??
11.2 is the latest release.
Here is an example of custom partitioning:
Custom Install.mpeg.rar - Windows Live
Personally I would use grub bootloader but if you want to to try what you have, you must choose not to install the grub bootloader during setup.
Yep, I don’t know about Acronis, never used it, but it sounds to me like it does what Grub does.
Good luck, have fun!
[QUOTE=caf4926;2104528]Does this mean you are planning to install openSUSE 11.0?? 11.2 is the latest release.
I like maturity, but right now I’m exploring new horizons and I plan to install openSUSE 11.2.
Here is an example of custom partitioning:
Custom Install.mpeg.rar - Windows Live
Thank you for providing the link. I took a quick peek and ASP will look further.