dual boot @installfest?

Maybe a note on the Web page about defrag before coming to the InstallFest.

-----Original Message-----
Date: Thu, 25 Sep 2003 17:42:48 -0700
From: Alan Dayley <adayley@adtron.com>
Subject: Re: dual boot @installfest?

George Gambill wrote:

> Would this (Dual Boot) be a good line item on the "Menu"?

Yes.

> Would we need the ability to re-partition the disk?

Yes, most likely. Unless someone shows up with empty space or
partitions. Install CDs and the like have the tools.

> Is this a build in feature of Linux?

RedHat needs an un-partitioned area of the hard drive to install on.
Other distros have the tools to do this "in the setup" process. Check
the archives for discussions on tools that work with resizing NTFS
partitions. I have had good results using the parted tool on VFAT and
other FAT partitions.

> Would the Win box need to have been defragged first (before InstallFest)?

Probably should be unless the user has so much empty space that they are
sure to have enough for the Linux partitions. An existing partition can
only be shrunk to the size of the "farthest" data. ie. If someone has a
10GB drive and data in the existing partition is at the 8GB block
address, the partition can only be shrunk to allow 2GB a Linux partition.

It is very important that, if a defrag is needed, it MUST be done before
the Install Fest. A defrag on a large hard drive that has not been done
in a while can take MANY HOURS. We won't have the time or the space to
leave a computer sitting and defragging all day before an install can
take place.

PLEASE, if you invited someone to the Install Fest and they want to dual
boot, have them DEFRAG BEFORE they come to the Fest.

> So many questions, so little time

You're doing fine, George.

Alan