Help with linux plz :(! (Thenoob)

[Naruke Alpha]

I have a Hdd with win8 from my laptop, i was wondering if i could partition it, and install linux on the partition, then use the HDD on my desktop and boot into linux without dealing with any win8 bs???  and if i cant do this, could i at least install linux on a 16 gb pendrive and use it in the pc?? xDD i know its like wtf why would you do this but you know, just asking  

[Kevin_Walter]

Well, if you want to remove Windows 8, that's one thing. You wouldn't need to create an extra partition for that.

 

But yes, you can create a new partition and dual-boot a Linux distro with Windows 8. The easiest way to do this is to allow your linux distro (I'm assuming you want to use Ubuntu) to install the Grub boot loader in the master boot record. Windows' boot loader is usually a pain to make recognize that there is another OS that it could boot... but Grub is pretty flexible and has no problem detecting Windows.

 

It's generally better to have a Windows installation first, and then install Linux.

 

Also, whatever distribution you install should have a partition manager that allows you to manage your disk's partitions while installing... but it may be easier to create the partition you would use for Linux in Windows first. I think Windows 8 has its own drive partitioning app built in... but I'm not 100% sure on that.

 

So short answer... yes, to all of your questions. Though you would need to look up which distribution is easier to install on a USB if you plan to go that route. CrunchBang would probably be your best bet... though it's not as user friendly of an OS as something like Ubuntu.

[Naruke Alpha]

Well, if you want to remove Windows 8, that's one thing. You wouldn't need to create an extra partition for that.

 

But yes, you can create a new partition and dual-boot a Linux distro with Windows 8. The easiest way to do this is to allow your linux distro (I'm assuming you want to use Ubuntu) to install the Grub boot loader in the master boot record. Windows' boot loader is usually a pain to make recognize that there is another OS that it could boot... but Grub is pretty flexible and has no problem detecting Windows.

 

It's generally better to have a Windows installation first, and then install Linux.

 

Also, whatever distribution you install should have a partition manager that allows you to manage your disk's partitions while installing... but it may be easier to create the partition you would use for Linux in Windows first. I think Windows 8 has its own drive partitioning app built in... but I'm not 100% sure on that.

 

So short answer... yes, to all of your questions. Though you would need to look up which distribution is easier to install on a USB if you plan to go that route. CrunchBang would probably be your best bet... though it's not as user friendly of an OS as something like Ubuntu.

I was thinking of going with Linux Mint, also, its a temporary solution till i can get my hands on a hdd and then a os, but if i like linux then ill just stay in linux  

 

right now, i have a laptop with win8 (the one im using) so the idea was to take the hdd, add linux, use on the desktop till i can get a hdd for the desktop, then erase all the linux stuff on my laptop hdd and put it back in the laptop, but if i can install it on my pendrive, that would be splendid, then i wouldnt have to deal with the laptop hdd swap/partition/erase and stuff 

[Kevin_Walter]

I think Mint has an option for installing to a USB stick. Not sure on that though as the only linux distros I've bothered using are Ubuntu and CrunchBang. 

 

http://www.pendrivelinux.com/crunchbang-linux-flash-drive-install-windows/

 

I'm sure if you do some searching, you can find a similar tutorial for Mint.

 

You want a persistent installation though. If the tutorial is for creating a "Live CD" out of a USB... you wouldn't want that, as it doesn't allow you to save any information. Each time you boot, it would be like loading a fresh installation of the OS.

[Naruke Alpha]

I think Mint has an option for installing to a USB stick. Not sure on that though as the only linux distros I've bothered using are Ubuntu and CrunchBang. 

 

http://www.pendrivelinux.com/crunchbang-linux-flash-drive-install-windows/

 

I'm sure if you do some searching, you can find a similar tutorial for Mint.

 

You want a persistent installation though. If the tutorial is for creating a "Live CD" out of a USB... you wouldn't want that, as it doesn't allow you to save any information. Each time you boot, it would be like loading a fresh installation of the OS.

Last question,  can i put the usb to be teh persistent installation and the one with linux, but question is, can i add my notebook hdd and access it by linux interface? like lets say im using the linux os out of the pendrive, and i connect my hdd with windows, can i browse for lets say my music in linux in the windows hdd? 

[Kevin_Walter]

Yes. Linux should detect your hard drive and you should be able to mount the drive and browse your Windows installation, where you can access any files that you have stored there.

 

Getting Windows to detect your Linux installation is another story, however... that requires some work. But if you don't plan on doing that, you'll be fine.

[Naruke Alpha]

Yes. Linux should detect your hard drive and you should be able to mount the drive and browse your Windows installation, where you can access any files that you have stored there.

 

Getting Windows to detect your Linux installation is another story, however... that requires some work. But if you don't plan on doing that, you'll be fine.

thanks!!!