Oh, and regarding this question you had...

“Which Linux version is recommended?”

You’re trying to start a flamewar, aren’t you?  :)  Everyone is going to have their favourite, but if you want to go with something that is generally considered to be a good distro for people starting out with Linux, Ubuntu and Linux Mint are usually the top suggestions.  You can create bootable USBs/DVDs to take a look at each of them first, and then decide.

Cheers.

From: Rusty Ramser [mailto:rusty_ramser@hotmail.com]
Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2015 19:11
To: 'Main PLUG discussion list'
Subject: RE: Windows 7 dual boot with Linux

Hi, George.

You won’t be able to do it in that order.  A Windows installation will stomp all over a Linux install.  Install Windows first on a designated partition, then install Linux second.  Linux will recognize the Windows installation and behave nicely with it.  You’ll then have a GRUB2 (most likely) boot loader which will let you pick your Windows or Linux installation at each boot.

Regarding that drive you have that lost its boot sector:  If you want to try to recover the Windows partition (or at least data files from it), it’s worth booting a USB or DVD installation of a Linux recovery distro.  They might even be able to repair the Windows MBR so it works again.

Cheers.

From: plug-discuss-bounces@lists.phxlinux.org [mailto:plug-discuss-bounces@lists.phxlinux.org] On Behalf Of G Gambill
Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2015 18:58
To: Main PLUG discussion list
Subject: Windows 7 dual boot with Linux

My wife's laptop (Windows 7 Home on 64 bit) seems to have lost the boot sector. The Windows came on the laptop so no Windows install DVD's.

I just bought a 1 TB Western Digital drive Looking to partition half for Linux and half for Windows (probably 7 pro) dual boot windows 7 and Linux (for me)

I am hoping to install Linux first then Windows after I find a reasonable priced copy.
Question:

1) Is it reasonable to install Linux first and have Windows installed later as the default boot (Wife's computer)?

2) When is the next installfest?

3) Is this (partition and install Linux) something you folks can do at the next installfest such that I can install Windows later?

4) Is there a better way?

5) Which Linux version is recommended?

TIA
George