Installing Linux on the Windows Partition in Mac OSX

[rparkesh]

Hi All
I have mac pro system and have installed Windows XP( SP3) using boot camp. I want to install Linux on this windows XP partition. I was wondering if anyone can give me some advice on this.

Should i use any partition software to first partition the C: windows and then install Linux on the free partition. I tried using partition magic but it gives error.

Any suggestion will be highly appreciated.
Regards
rparkesh

 

[Jethryn Freyman]

I don't have experience with this, bur don't partition within Windows, you can wipe OS X off. If you do a search of the forums of a Google search you'll find more useful information than I can tell you.

 

[Tomorrow]

Is using Boot Camp to create a new Linux partition (in addition to OS X and Windows) out of the question? It might actually be easier, and almost certainly safer.

 

[rparkesh]

Thanks guys for the reply and suggestion. As already i have the windows partition installed with boot camp, boot camp is not allowing additional partition of my mac hard drive.

Can i use the terminal to do the partition on the mac hard drive and create some free space and then install Linux.

My only worry is will all the three system be recognized when i start up mac?

 

[windstarfy]

Sorry I don't have any specific links or info on how to do it, but yes it is possible. Our university iMac labs have Windows Vista, OS X and Ubuntu set up on multiboot and you are able to select the same as a bootcamp option (select drive) on startup.

 

[rparkesh]

Thanks. That is what i wanted to know. Now i will have fun with partitions.

 

[kastenbrust]

I do this all the time since im running 6 operating systems on my Macbook Pro

1) Use Disk Utility to make a new partition, dont bother formatting it.

2) Insert the Linux DVD

3) Restart, and when the computer turns on keep your finger on "alt" and wait for about 2 minutes, eventually the Linux install DVD will appear as a 3rd startup option alongside Mac and Windows, it will be called Windows DVD but just ignore that. Choose it and let it start

4) Install Linux as you would any other operating system to the third partition you made, let Linux format it how it wants

5) Your done! Enjoy.