forums.xandros.com

[wasmith11111]

First, I am completely new to Linux, but interested in giving it a try w/ Xandros.

My current hard drive configuration is as follows:
first, 8 partitions (1 primary and 7 logical), divided between NTFS, FAT16, HPFS and JFS, totalling about 33.5 Gb,
then, 1 TARGET logical partition consisting of slightly more than 2 Gb,
then, 5 logical partitions, divided between FAT32 and JFS, totaling about 127.5 Gb,
then, free space totaling about 72.5 Gb, +
finally, 1 primary partition, totaling about 7.8 Mb, upon which resides the IBM Boot Manager.

My idea is, if possible, install Xandros to the Target partition, and then use part of the free space for partitions for the Swap partition and Applications. My idea also, if possible, if Grub is installed to the Target partition, is to keep the IBM Boot Manager as the Startable partition and boot Xandros from it. Does this all seem possible?

The reason for my inquiry is that I tried previously to install an OpenSUSE version, initially only to the Free Space. It first complained about being beyond the cylinder limit. Then, upon further effort, it installed using the Target partition area but also used about 20 Gb of the free space, creating a backward link in the partition tables, and making the last preceding logical partition inaccessable and unusable. Only by deleting the OpenSUSE partitions, and restoring the MBR and the damaged partition using DFSee, was I able to return to the status quo.

I don't want to purchase an Xandros license and then end up in the same situation.

TIA for whatever help can be provided.

[jimallyn]

You should be aware that there hasn't been a new version of Xandros released in a number of years, and it may not be compatible with newer hardware. I still use Xandros on my main computer, and will probably keep it until this machine dies. But for new installs I've been using Mint.
_________________
I refuse to live in a country like this - and I'm not leaving. - Michael Moore

[wasmith11111]

Thanks for the advice.

After my posting I did a little more research and noted the sorta' "abandonware" nature of it. However, as I was not aware of any suitable replacement, your recommendation is most appreciated.

While I have a bit of familiarity w/ OS customization and command line operation, having now used one or another version of OS/2 as my primary OS for the past 16 years, I didn't have the time to become too immersed in the esoterics. Thus, looking at the description of Linux Mint, this does seem a most suitable substitute. Accordingly, I downloaded one of the ISOs last night and will investigate installing once I have a few free minutes. (hope the I13X Support issue, because of the Free Space where it would be installed, doesn't raise its ugly head.)

Thanks again.

[mhwelsh]

Linuxmint is presently 'getting used to' Gnome3.
If you wish to minimise brain pain try the Linuxmint LMDE edition. This should give you a trouble free install.

martin welsh

[Doctore]