Install Linux as a Separate Partition

Well this methods actually installs Linux as a separate OS in a separate Disk Partition… This enables the independent complete usage of Linux OS. It installs GRUB boot-loader to switch between the OS`s at the start-up.

Before we start we will make enough disk space for the Linux. It will need a SWAP space also. SWAP space is like a page-file of Windows. Usually we choose swap space as double of our RAM capacity. Okie, now I’ll be using Linux Mint here. If you don’t have one you can get one from any of its websites. For Linux Mint here is the link: "LINK"

Make Partition for Linux

If you have windows installed already use the windows disk management tool  or a separate partitioning software for that.

For windows seven follow my steps:

• * Open COMPUTER MANAGEMENT(search in start menu or right click my computer and chose manage)
• * Choose Disk Management from the left side list
• * You will get details of all the drives available in your system, select the drive from which you need to have free space.
• * Right Click and Choose “Shrink Volume”, Then it will do some Querying and a new dialog will come
• * It will ask for the amount of Disk space to be shrunk. Enter the Linux Partition + Swap space amount in there and click Shrink.
• * That’s it. Now you will have a unallocated space there.

Now restart the system with the CD/DVD or Pen drive inserted .

Installing Linux Mint 

Now you have restarted the system with the Bootable CD/DVD or Pen-drive of Linux Mint. your computer (BIOS) needs to be enabled the USB booting option if you are using Pen-drive. 

Okie now hope every other thing are fine, the Linux mint should automatically boot up. and the Desktop should appear

Run the "Install Linux Mint" program on the Desktop. it will start up and will help in installation of Linux Mint.

Once it asks for the Languages choose your language and Continue

and then it will check for HDD, Power source and Internet. if you have all get it corrected. make sure you have enough battery backup if you are planing to install on battery power. 

Next thing it will ask for is the installation type... Here you have to choose the 3rd option ie, "Something Else". You can choose the 1st option if you don't care how much space will be taken for Linux, the 1st option takes some amount according to its calculation from the existing disks and install Linux in it. The 2nd option removes any OS installed in the system and installs only Linux Mint in it. so you can choose accordingly. Anyway lets choose the 3rd option.

Which will take us to the next step showing the partition table and all...

Here we will be able to see the free space we made from the windows... we have to make 2 partitions from the free space , one for the SWAP space and other for the Entire Linux Partition.

So now choose the free space and click "Add" and a new window will appear, 1st we will make SWAP space, so type the amount you wish to give for SWAP area, i`m giving 1024 MB(1 GB) Because my RAM is 512 MB. and then choose Swap Area for "use as" and OK.

 Next you will have to choose for Linux Partition, same as before choose the free space and click "Add" and now choose EXT4 file system for the "Use as" and "/" as Mount Point. and OK

and Now everything is OK click "Install Now". Then it will ask for Timezone and Keyboard Layout choose accordingly and Continue... and Then you have to fill up Your Personal Information and Continue....

And then it may ask to import Documents and Setting from the Windows User folder, do it if you want so or else continue...

And then it will install and after the installation finishes it will ask for restart... you may restart and enjoy the Linux Experience Forever...