How to Create a Linux Dual Boot System

Not everyone who installs Linux is going to want to use it as a sole operating system. Many people install Linux as part of a dual boot system. If you're new to using a PC, it can be a bit challenging to create a dual boot system for Linux, but it is not impossible. The benefit is that you can use either of your installed operating systems and choose between the two at each system restart.

Step1 Set you computer to install from the optical drive. Both Windows and Linux can be installed using an optical drive (most often a DVD drive). This is typically done using the "F8" key on your keyboard while your computer boots up.

Step2 Install Windows as you normally would onto your hard drive. Follow all of the prompts necessary to complete installation.

Step3 Place the Linux installation DVD into your optical drive once the Windows installation has completed.

Step4 Restart your computer. You should keep the optical drive as the primary boot device during Linux installation.

Step5 Follow the Linux installation prompts as you did for Windows, making sure to leave the Linux defaults for creating a second partition.

Step6 Find the /boot sector in Linux using the "dd" command from the shell. This information needs to be copied and pasted into a file and named something like "BootLinux.lnx."

Step7 Restart Windows and access the "msconfig" application from the "Start -> Run" section of the Start Menu.

Step8 Add the command line that enables the Linux boot file you created into the BOOT.INI file. It should look something like this: "C:\BOOTLINUX.LNX="Linux Operating System."

Step9 Restart your computer and wait for the command prompt to appear asking which operating system you wish to boot. It should list both Microsoft Windows and Linux.