🚀 go-pugleaf

ac123@simpatico.ca wrote:
> 
> Can anyone suggest a recommended partitioning setup for my new Dell
> Dimension XPS R350's 13G Hard Disk?
> 
> I'd like to be able to run Win98, WinNT, and RedHat Linux v5.1.

Decide on how much disk space you want for Linux. Lets say half or 6.5
GB. Then here is the sequence.

Partition the drive with Win95 fdisk using OSR2 allocating the first
half only as a primary partition.

Format this partition and install OSR2.

Install NT on the same partition. Get the dual boot function of Win95/NT
working and all your hardware issues solved.

Install Linux on the remaining space making it another primary partition
with ext2fs.

Write LILO on the boot tracks of the disk. Name the alternate operating
system windows.

Then when you boot the computer, type "windows" at the LILO prompt and
you can select Win95 or NT as before. Or type Linux (or let it default
to Linux) and the system will load Linux.

You should be able to mount the Fat32 system in Linux and there are
Win95 programs available (I haven't tried any) that will let you mount
the ext2fs in read only mode.

It is important to do the installs in the above order because Windows
install will wipe out the master boot record. For this reason you should
consider making a boot floppy so you can boot the system and LILO on the
MBR if necessary.

> Also, are there any compatibility issues with the Dell XPS R's and
> Linux?

Yes, you may have some hardware issues. Check the compatibility listing
on the Redhat web site. <http://www/redhat.com>

Sound board, video, ethernet, scsi adapter all are potential headaches.  

--
Paul Franz

PAF Consulting Engineers       |  427 - 140th Ave NE     
(425)614-2865 voice            |  Bellevue, WA 98005
(425)614-2906 fax/msg          |  <http://nwlink.com/~franzpa>
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