Arch Linux

freshscaped

Member

From: West Yorkshire

Registered: 2015-08-29

Posts: 85

[SOLVED] How to partition leaving space for another distro

Hi Folks,

Can't find the answer on the wiki or googling so here is the question, with the reason for it

I want to install Arch on this PC. Got it up and running nicely on a laptop, like it. But afterwards I'll have to add another distro. Please read on.

HMRC (British taxation authority) only allows its legally obligatory online forms to be completed using proprietary software. That is illegal. As we are part of the EU (European Union) they should make all dealings available in open format so nobody is forced to go in any, let alone a proprietary, specific IT direction. However, the courts don't appear to be aware of that, or deliberately ignore the fact.

So I'm going to have to put up with it unless the EU steps in for monthly payroll returns and one or two less frequent statutory submissions. I deal with the bureaucracy from this PC.

For the purposes of this exercise, it seems at least some things can be done using Ubuntu as the proprietary stuff is easily installed there. I'd prefer Ubuntu to 'Doze but even that is with my arm forcefully twisted.

However, never learned to partition for more than one OS since 'doze98 was current. Forgotten how.

Would some kind soul please point me at a basic level tutorial or actually tell me what I need to do and how to go about it?

TIA.

Last edited by freshscaped (2015-08-30 21:39:27)

ewaller

Administrator

From: Pasadena, CA

Registered: 2009-07-13

Posts: 20,349

Re: [SOLVED] How to partition leaving space for another distro

Well, us Yanks don't know what software it is that you are mandated to use.  I imagine Flash or Acrobat, but maybe you are hinting at IE.

If IE is the issue, you might just install wine and be done with it.   If the real question is how to install multiple OS on a system, you have to tell us whether it is a UEFI system or a MBR based system.
Then read this wiki article

It might be easiest just to install VirtualBox and run Windows in in a virtual machine.

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Nothing is too wonderful to be true, if it be consistent with the laws of nature -- Michael Faraday
Sometimes it is the people no one can imagine anything of who do the things no one can imagine. -- Alan Turing
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Head_on_a_Stick

Member

From: The Wirral

Registered: 2014-02-20

Posts: 8,778

Website

Re: [SOLVED] How to partition leaving space for another distro

Why not just use a VM instead?

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Jin, Jîyan, Azadî

freshscaped

Member

From: West Yorkshire

Registered: 2015-08-29

Posts: 85

Re: [SOLVED] How to partition leaving space for another distro

Wow! Lightening quick replies from both sides of the Pond, another plus for Arch!

@ewaller, you're about on the button. Whatever the OS, the forms can only be completed using an Adobe proprietary form of interactive PDF. Why? Only the British Civil Service could possibly explain why we Brits have to put up with a form of USA corporatism even "you Yanks", to paraphrase your own expression, I suspect would not accept. To rub salt in, there is no longer a paper based alternative.

Never used WINE either. Perhaps I'm about to learn. If that doesn't work, and against every ethical instinct dear to me, a VM. Determined to replace this "LTS" version of SL with gloriously rolling updated/upgraded Arch whatever happens.

@Head_on_a_Stick, @ewaller, thanks both. No need for a dual boot, which I confess gives me great comfort. Very much appreciated.

tomk

Forum Fellow

From: Ireland

Registered: 2004-07-21

Posts: 9,839

Re: [SOLVED] How to partition leaving space for another distro

it seems at least some things can be done using Ubuntu

Arch can do anything that Ubuntu can do - they're just different distros (OK, very  different... ).

ewaller

Administrator

From: Pasadena, CA

Registered: 2009-07-13

Posts: 20,349

Re: [SOLVED] How to partition leaving space for another distro

If that doesn't work, and against every ethical instinct dear to me, a VM.

I'll certainly not challenge anyones beliefs, but, to be clear, it is not a violation of copyright or any laws of which I am aware to run Microsoft Windows in Oracle VirtualBox.  Last time I checked, a personal use of VBox does not require a paid license.  Windows has versions that are licensed for use in a VM.  I once bought a full Windows 7, in a box, that permitted this.

As to ethics, that is a more difficult topic.  If one is a follower of RMS, one would not run Windows under any circumstances.  But, I fail to see the ethical dilemma in running Windows on bare hardware vice running in a VM.

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Nothing is too wonderful to be true, if it be consistent with the laws of nature -- Michael Faraday
Sometimes it is the people no one can imagine anything of who do the things no one can imagine. -- Alan Turing
---
How to Ask Questions the Smart Way

freshscaped

Member

From: West Yorkshire

Registered: 2015-08-29

Posts: 85

Re: [SOLVED] How to partition leaving space for another distro

Errrmmm, how do I mark a thread "resolved" on here?

<edit>Ignore. Found it. Done it. </edit>

Last edited by freshscaped (2015-08-30 21:38:07)

twelveeighty

Member

From: Alberta, Canada

Registered: 2011-09-04

Posts: 1,225

Re: [SOLVED] How to partition leaving space for another distro

Windows has versions that are licensed for use in a VM.  I once bought a full Windows 7, in a box, that permitted this.

Correct - as long as you have a full, legally licensed, copy of Windows 7, you are allowed to run one (1) instance on a VM. Make sure to read the fine-print on an OEM copy (pre-installed on a newly purchased PC/laptop) of Windows 7. I believe most of those do NOT allow you to wipe Windows from the physical machine and then "re-purpose" that same license on a VM you run from the Linux host.