Can I use linux in a laptop that uses windows xp?

I want to download some free programmes like word and publisher to my laptop and a pc, I read about ubuntu and linux but am not sure if they work when windows is already on. I'm not too clued in to all this stuff so keep it simple please. Thanks for great forum.

Can I use linux in a laptop that uses windows xp?
yes dual boot. ubuntu can see a NTFS partition. ubuntu roks
Reply:Hi, Linux is a Unix like operating system and is one of the last descendants on the original Unix operating system.





I use openSUSE and its probably the best I have used. Here r my reasons:





1. Very stable with less bugs compared to other systems like ubuntu. In fact I haven't encountered one bug in it.


2. Its the only linux system which is as polished as Mac OS X or Windows.


3. It has excellent documentation.


4. It looks good by default


5. Its very easy to use and has a GUI for everything unlike other Linux systems.


6. Hardware support is excellent in all.


7. Great community support as well.


8. Since openSUSE started the compiz fusion project which r the desktop effects then they have the latest ones on it.


9. Novell which is openSUSE's sponsors have a deal with Microsoft so there is better compatibility of file formats and it is the only Linux system which can open .docx files and stuff.


10. All the best and latest software is on it, and its very easy to maintain.





OpenSUSE is perfect for a new user as well as old ones.





OpenSUSE main page:


http://en.opensuse.org





Opensuse please read:


http://en.opensuse.org/Concepts





Opensuse Compiz fusion 3d effects:


http://en.opensuse.org/Compiz_Fusion





Opensuse nvidia guide:


http://en.opensuse.org/NVIDIA





The concepts page should tell u most of the differences in Windows and Linux, and it will give u a general idea about Linux.





If u want to know why Linux is better visit:





http://www.whylinuxisbetter.net





Trust me once u use SUSE u will forget about every other operating system.





You can run SUSE in a virtual machine if u use some software like vmware or virtualbox, a virtual machine will make linux think its on a separate system and will work from that while windows is on, but it won't work as well as a dual boot.





Contact me if u have any questions.





Good Luck and take care!
Reply:Yes and no, Linux supports NTFS but it supports it really bad. You have to add a new partition in order to use linux.