Articles
Perfecting the Dual Boot
Some prefer Windows, some Linux. For those who demand the "best of both worlds," there is the Dual-Boot option.
The first thing to do is find a "bootable" disk partitioning application, that you are comfortable using. There are many available for free from different sites, use the one you like. Just like Linux, it's about "choice". Boot your machine with the partition application and delete your hard drive.
You will now want to make 3 partitions. It does not matter what file system you use as long as there are 3 separate partitions. One partition should be about 3-5Gb. This will be your "linux swap" partition. Divide the rest of the disk into two partitions, leaving more room for Windows, because you will most likely be loading your games there. Write the partition changes and save them.
Now reboot with your Windows CD. Install windows normally. If you are using a recovery CD set, do NOT resize the hard drive. You can format it during the install, but skip the "recovery partition" thing. When the installation is done, you may now download your favourite Linux ISO and burn it from Windows.
When you install the Linux system, use the small partition you made earlier as "swap space" and the larger for the system itself. Use the GRUB boot loader if it is possible, and check to make sure it "sees" Windows on the other partition. At this point you should also be able to set the "default" boot system in the GRUB menu.
When the installation is done, reboot, and choose your OS!
