I’m a Linux noob. So I had SUSE Linux 10.1. I installed it doing a duel boot with Windows XP. I was learning about and installing “repositories” with YaST and when I clicked finish the window wouldn’t close and I got really annoyed after a while and hit the power button on my computer. I think that was a bad idea because now my Linux system is really slow and the internet doesn’t work anymore.
I’m thinking about reinstalling the OS now that I have a better idea on how stuff works. So here are my questions:
If I format my Linux hard drive (which is separate from the XP one) will I mess anything up on the Windows side? What about the duel boot program? Do I need to deal with that or will it disappear on its own?
Is there a difference between SUSE Linux and openSUSE Linux? I was planning on downloading openSUSE 11.0 and using that.
Does openSUSE have duel boot? I don’t want to give up Windows XP 'till I’m sure I’m comfortable with Linux.
I think that’s all I got for now but I may have a few more Qs next time.
What do exactly mean by linux hard drive did you use two physical
hardd rives or just one harddrive with a Windos and a Linux partition ?
In boths cases you can choice for expert or customize partition
and install opensuse on the place it occupied before .
Boot program what do you mean ?
GRUB , opensuse will propose again where it should write GRUB
So be sure that you agree with the proposal where to write GRUB
First of all, 10.1 is really old. I recommend 11.0 with Kde 3.5.9.
You can tell Suse to install on the second partition or hard drive during installation, it will automatically allow you to dual-boot using the Grub boot manager. You can also edit the install and partitioning scheme to suit your needs.
It depends on how you set up the dual-boot. If you installed grub to the first drive’s MBR and you had a SuSE boot menu that had a choice to boot Windows - then that boot loader will be replaced when installing openSUSE. Your only risk is if the openSUSE installation fails; if that happens it is possible (although not probable) you could be left with a broken boot loader and therefore unable to boot into Windows. Do you have a Windows installation CD? If you do, this would be easy to fix.
I do have two physical hard drives. One with Windows and the other with Linux. Windows was installed first. The boot loader is a Linux menu and I installed it during the Linux installation so I suspect it is on the same drive as Linux. And yes, I do believe it was GRUB.
I live with an old computer nut who never really got into Linux. He tried it a while back but never converted. I got 10.1 from him. I’m definitely going for 11.0 this time. In 10.1 I used Gnome and was starting to get used to it. Will KDE be easy to relate to from Gnome?
So, should I just format my Linux drive and reinstall with 11.0 (I’ve got Partition Magic)?
I do have my Windows CD. In the event that something does go wrong how easy is it to fix the boot loader?
The boot loader is a Linux menu and I installed it during the Linux installation so I suspect it is on the same drive as Linux.
Probably not on the Linux drive. Look in your bios at the boot device sequence. It is probably the Windows drive. Whichever it is, that is where grub is installed.
Will KDE be easy to relate to from Gnome?
This is very subjective. Many users feel Gnome has a look/feel somewhat similar to the Mac while KDE is more like Windows. Of course, the new KDE 4 is more polished than XP; Vista would probably be the better comparison. Gnome goes for simplicity, KDE for flexibility and customizability.
So, should I just format my Linux drive and reinstall with 11.0 (I've got Partition Magic)?
The installer will do this for you.
I do have my Windows CD. In the event that something does go wrong how easy is it to fix the boot loader?
You boot from the CD into the Repair Console. You must login as Administrator, so be sure you know what that password is or it will not let you in. At the command prompt, it’s just “fixmbr” (without quotes).
kde4.0 can be intimidating yes but 4.1.2 would not be with being new to linux i would go with kde 4.1.2 with kde 3.5.10 and learn both cause kde3.5 will be phased out
That’s probably a wise move. You can always add KDE 4 later, without disturbing your 3.5. While 4.1 is much better than 4.0, still there are a number of apps and features that have not been ported from 3.5 to 4 or are not as stable yet. And openSUSE’s KDE 3.5 is, IMO, the best 3.5 out there.
