Am new to Linux and have never installed an OS. I've read most of the install instructions for installing Fedora 14 from live dvd and it seems fairly straightforward except for when I would get to the "Installation Type" screen. I have read several different ways to approach this part of the install and was wondering what to do. I do not know if I have the knowledge to create a custom layout and add a shared partition for XP and Fedora or even if such is necessary. I do not know if their is a simpler option that will work.
Windows XP, pentium 4, one hard drive, dual boot windows and Fedora on the same drive.

Mike

The only thing you need to worry about is making sure you know which one is your windows partition (probably the first one?) so that you wouldn't delete/overwrite it. You can add a shared partition once you've installed the system.

It is usually less confusing to resize the windows partition using something like gparted-live and then when you install fedora use free space.

Thanks for yopur assistence. Would it be better-safer to install a second hard drive and put Linux on it?

Hi,
Welcome to LQ!

Please use descriptive titles!

You will find that the M$ disk management tools are the best to use when working on a M$ system. Less chance of a problem. You should first defrag the M$ partition(s) then do a re-size to shrink. After that you can use the installer tools for setting up & configuring the partition(s) for filesystem(s).

Do LQ Search as this subject is covered all the time.
Plus scroll down to see if similar posts will help.

Hi,

Your choice! If you want to keep M$ intact then another HDD would work.

LQ has a good spell checker, try to use it.

Hi,

Actually easier for a newbie to use the M$ disk management tools to defrag & re-size M$ partitions. Less chance of user errors.

The OP states that he is using Windows XP. Windows XP can not shrink partitions itself.
I would recommend to use a GParted Live-CD for partitioning.

I think this is a rather unlucky choice of words. Of course, if the install went fine, Windows will be intact if you use only one disk. But if you want to be on the safe side, yes, then add a disk. Be aware at install time which disk is your Windows disk, so that you don't accidentally erase/overwrite it.

Missed the XP part, thanks. I would still defrag with M$ tools.

Not really, if the OP wants to insure the M$ partitions on a hdd then don't touch it. OP can use another hdd to prepare and install. OP could use the install disk to boot the Gnu/Linux that was installed. That way no writing to the original hdd.
I agree that identity is important. But if OP knows second hdd has been recognized then no problem using the installCD.

When assured, then one can use the bootloader of choice but the InstallCD can be used to boot the Gnu/Linux installed. Several ways to skin things!

May be that is language barrier. For me the sentence: implied that the Windows install will not be intact after a successful install of Linux on the same HDD. But it should be. But as said, I think just a misunderstanding.

Hi,

If the OP wants to use a second drive for the Gnu/Linux install then there would be no need to touch the M$ XP installed hard disk. Never said a thing about touching M$ XP. Just not using space on that disk. No implications. He/she asked if it could be done. And the short answer is 'YES'. Yes, you can install on a separate hard disk your Gnu/Linux of choice.

Two different hard drives with different OS installed on each.

What's so hard to understand about those statements?

I think you didn't get my point. Saying that "if you want to keep MS intact the other disk would work" implies that it will not be "intact" (or being defect) if you not do so. Nothing I didn't understand, I just said that I find your words chosen unluckily, but that it can be language barrier. Not less, not more.
So lets get back on topic and wait for the OP to respond.

Hi,

Definitely a language barrier problem. Semantics and the way both of us look at things differently! I did not choose my words unluckily, my style and your interpretation.

Yes, back on topic.

Thanks again for your assisteence:

I am going with install on a second hard drive as I would like to keep the first drive intact. Considering my limited experience installing an OS I feel "intact" is a good way to phrase it.

Good decision I have a few disks that I swap out every now and then.
After you get it up and running you can try dual-booting in virtual box evironment.