Can I use both Windows XP and Ubuntu Linux on the same computer?

I recently ordered a copy of Ubuntu Linux and it's still with me though I haven't started using it. I am going to get a laptop pretty soon( right now I have a desktop with Windows XP) and wish to use both Windows XP and Ubuntu Linux on the same Laptop...I am planning to get a 160 GB hard disk for the laptop and someone told me that it can be done by partitioning the hard disk into two parts one with XP , one with Ubuntu Linux. My question is that this guy who told me about the partitioning also told me that the computer becomes highly unstable and the chances to crash are more as compared to one OS on one computer if two operating systems are there on a single computer , is this true?

Can I use both Windows XP and Ubuntu Linux on the same computer?
The system in no way becomes unstable. What you are talking about is called 'dual-booting'. I have been dual-booting and administering dual-boot systems of Linux and Windows for several years -- usually on laptops. I have never had any problems and know of no one who has.





One thing, though: Windows XP can, as I recall, be installed on one of two types of filesystems, FAT32 or NTFS. Linux's support for NTFS is much newer than that for FAT32. While I have never heard of any trouble with either, you are certainly on surer footing if the Windows XP installation is on the older FAT32. Also, Ubuntu will require special (freely available) software to write to the NTFS installation, but it reads and writes FAT32 just fine.





In addition to whatever partitions you need for Windows, you will need at least two for Ubuntu -- one for the operating system and one for swap space (i.e., virtual RAM). I usually recommend a third partition for your users' home directories. The virtue in that is not losing your home directory data if you do anything to the operating system (like switch Linux versions and the like).





If your new laptop has 512 MB of RAM, you will want at least double that amount, 1024 MB, in swap space. More than 512 MB and you can stick to a 1:1 ratio.





More info on partitioning can be found in my source below. Note, though, that dual-booting is not addressed there (at least not yet).
Reply:Yup - you sure can! The computer becomes no less stable whatsoever. The guy didn't know what he was talking about.
Reply:'dual boot' systems are not inherently unstable; you will be asked when you log in which os you want to boot..... just highlight the desired os, and off you go!


ubuntu is supposed to be pretty nice.... go check the forums for more details on the initial partitioning steps, maybe this is where they get a lil' goofy.
Reply:all above answers are really dumb... you need to create virtual disk for it. so u can switch to lunux if you want to.
Reply:First as a warning on the Virtual disk. I have tried that, it can be unstable and can have a heavy slowdown on your computer.





Actually the idea of two OS's on one computer may make it more stable in a manner of speaking. Lets say something goes wrong on your Windows part. Just jump into linux and figure out how to fix it. Or you can go vice versa (although windows does require extra software to recover linux). The only thing dangerous is the boot loader but I have not had any trouble with it and, if it really does get messed up, the live CD for ubuntu has fixes for the boot loader. I am curently dual booting my laptop and it only has about 20 GB. It has not failed once.





Just as a side note, repartioning is a little unstable but after it is done, if everything is intact everything resumes stability.





Basicly, you are safe. Good Luck.
Reply:No way! I have 6 computers dual booting with Ubuntu, Kubuntu, and OpenSUSE. Rarely is there a crash, even when in Windows! Most of these are on two separate hard drives. But if you partition it won't be a problem. I suggest you partition 25 Gb each for Windows and Ubuntu and the rest in a Fat32 partition. Ubuntu won't be able to write to the Windows partition and vice versa but they both can write to a Fat32 file system. People sometimes have difficulty getting the wireless connections setup in Linux but others work out of the box. It depends on the chip used for wireless. Have fun.
Reply:Yes, you need 2 HD, or brake one down into two part.. You can do that with a special software (Braking down HD)





I did that on my computer.





Good luck!!!
Reply:yes