Which linux should i install on my machine that already has windows?

[waqar100]

I want to install linux for generally purpose functions,which linux[fedora , ubunto,centos etc ]should i install.In my pc there is already windows,How much the linux will effect my windows & data in C:?

what is the difference among ubunto,centos,fedora ?

[Atli]

Hey.

I like to think of Ubuntu as more user friendly, and Fedora/RedHat as more developer friendly. Both have great package distribution systems which allow you to easily install software.

Haven't had much experience with CentOS myself, so I can't comment on that. (Isn't it a RedHat derivative?)

What effect the Linux isntallation will have on your Windows partition depends on your setup method, but many Linux distros (Ubuntu included) offer ways to install it along side Windows, on a separate, unrelated partition, which makes it virtually invisible to Windows. You will simply be offered a choice when you boot, which OS you want to use.

To learn how to Dual-Boot Ubuntu and Windows, see Dual Boot Ubuntu and Windows. It's fairly straight forward. Just pay special attention during the partitioning stage and make sure it doesn't remove/format your Windows partition. (The automatic partitioning option should ensure that. Double check, though, just in case.)

Ubuntu also offers a way to install Ubuntu from inside Windows. It's called Wubi. Haven't tried it myself, but it sounds simple enough.

There is also always the option of using Virtualization. That is; running Linux on a virtual machine, such as VirtualBox, from inside Windows. This may not be ideal, as you are essentially running two OSs at the same time and thus using up the resources each requires. However, it is a simple solution that doesn't require a lot of thought into partitioning or the inherent risk of messing with the boot-loaders.

[drhowarddrfine]

The easiest way to dual boot with Linux is to install Wubi. That's how I first tried it but, once installed, I never used Windows again.