[NTLUG:Discuss] Linux on Windows

[Chris Cox]

Vaidya, Harshal (Cognizant) wrote:
> Is there any distro which runs off Windows? I mean a hosted Linux environment under Windows? 
> 
> Please don't suggest VMWare. I don't want to use that as it expires after 30 days and I don't have money to buy it!!
> 
> I want this kind of distro as I want to install it at my workplace.I don't want to get into the hassels of partitioning.
> 

There is no way to have a "hosted Linux environment" running
"under Windows" without using some kind of VM-like thing.

However, if you're just looking at a dual boot (implied from the rest
of your message) where Linux is stored using the umsdos filesystem
(something that coexists in your existing FAT/FAT-32), then you
might want to get Slackware.  I believe it still contains the
ability to install via umsdos (BigSlack I believe it was called).
I used to do this a lot.  Of course it was easier back then to
drop to a real DOS prompt and execute a *.BAT and have Linux
start up (in place of DOS).  With contemporary Windows (e.g. XP), not
sure if it is that easy anymore (lack of real DOS).  If you don't have
FAT/FAT-32 (e.g. you're running NTFS)...I don't think it's possible to
do even this.


HTH,
Chris