Xp/linux dual boot

Let me help you:
1) Select a distro, there are hundreds to choose from, but only a couple dozen worth considering.
2) After you select a distro, select the desktop environment you want, most distros have less than a dozen to choose from.
3) Choose 32-bit or 64-bit. This is usually a no-brainer.
4) DOWNLOAD!!!!!!

When you install it:
1) Choose what file system you want, most distros give you less less than a dozen to choose from.
2) Etc.

Which version? Only you can decide that. Try them out and see what works best for you.

 

If you think the above situation is hard on users, it's even harder on software developers.

Here's my recommendation for an old XP laptop: Mint distro with MATE desktop, 32-bit version.

Mint, because it's one of the most polished and friendly distros.
MATE desktop, because it's well maintained and it may work better on older hardware.
32-bit, because computers with older processors and less memory run better with 32-bit software.

 

You might try googling for try WUBI, it installs within windows but gives aa dual boot option upon booting, You can read about it and see if it would work for you.

 

I have been using some form of Ubuntu since 06 or 07 and I am going to second Mint. Mint with either Mate ot the Cinnamon Desktops are a very easy windoze to Linux shift for any windows user and definately choose ext4 for the file system format. Choose Dual Boot alongside windose and chat, chata, boom, in an old unit it will repartiton the machine, install the OS, and Dual Boot the system for you in less thyan half the time it takes to install wibdows, leaving you worried it didn't install.

 

Bill - you're more of a Linux user than I've ever been. Just set up a lady with Zorin (because it resembles Win7, which she and her husband are used to). First time I've ever looked at that one (I had Mint on my daughter's laptop a couple of years ago; but she got a new laptop for college, and she's happier with Windows....). I should check in with her and see what she thinks. Any thoughts about the Zorin version?

 

use Linux Mint, and right when you hit the key to install Mint, it will autopartian the amt needed to install linux. After install, reboot computer, and it should show both xp/mint, just select and run one you want!

 

Mint is really the easiest one to set up and learn, especially in mate!

 

So you've tried Zorin? What did you not like?

 

I have tried a lot of the linux version, and Zorin is not bad, but Mint just much easier to use, as it sets itself up easy, and all you basically have to do is clock on what program you need to start up! Installing new programs on it also very easy, as in software manager...

 

The Chinese are guilty of this one. I downloaded the initial version for testing and study because it was an extension of Mint which is an extension of Ubuntu. I haven't tested the later versions but if Wine or Crossover are installed it is very windoze compatible.

 

Still would see Mint as easiest one for someone who never used linux to install and use!

 

Likely true. You can download Ubuntu with the Mate desktop andit operates the same as Mint with Mate. It is strictly a matter of choice. All of these discussed Operating Systems discussed here are improved versions of Debian, making it user friendly. You will see that if you ever research a package and see the .deb (Debian) extension. They are sll very good systems.

 

I also have used and like the PCLInuxOs, but their way of handling packages inferior to the Debian !
Also like Cinamon desktop on Mint...

 

I agree with both points. I went to the cinnamon website and downloaded the latest vesion of Cinnamon for Ubuntu 16.04 and tested it about sixmonths ago and it is a great system for a neube to linux also. I've a linux user for just short of ten years now and I am still testing what's available.

 

Also liked using the Ubuntu christian edition throughout the years!

 

The main advantage would be that you can use Mint for nearly all things used on windows, and go into Windows only when needed for rare times have to use it still, and also, any virus/trojan in windows would not be getting into Mint, so would still be able to operate!

 

I will answer, only, from my experience but some I helped with the issue of software they cannot afford to replace and they were unwilling to use the free Linux base software for the work are the largest group I have dual Booted.

Then there is a group that appears to me to be growing, that with the known but greatly denied Root Kit the NSA helped Microsoft install in Vista and forward that dislike the idea of being spied upon. They are coming over when they discover Linux is not so much different from windoze to use and runs so much faster but they fear the transition.

 

I wish it were still being maintained.