Can Ubuntu run alongside Windows XP?

Installing Ubuntu as a dual-boot with Windows without partitioning

http://psychocats.net/ubuntu/wubi

Download Ubuntu Desktop Edition

http://www.ubuntu.com/desktop/get-ubuntu/download

Ubuntu 10.10 (Maverick Meerkat) User Guide

http://ubuntuguide.org/wiki/Ubuntu:Maverick

I thoroughly recommend Linux Mint 9 Main Edition which is built upon Ubuntu 10.04 Its easy to install and easy to use plus it comes with much of the software you are likely to need preinstalled

Linux Mint has a similar installer called mint4win (mint4win works the same as Wubi so the instructions outlined above are almost identical)

You keep Windows as it is, mint4win only adds an extra option to boot into Linux Mint. mint4win does not require you to modify the partitions of your PC, or to use a different bootloader, and does not install special drivers. It works just like any other application.

mint4win keeps most of the files in one folder, and if you do not like it, you can simply uninstall it as any other application.

Boot in to windows insert the Linux Mint LiveCD and you will offered the option of installing inside windows which is where the mint4win installer comes in, you will be asked how many gigabytes you wish to allocate to Linux Mint (I recommend 8gb) then you set a password for your installation then click install and thats it.

Once Linux Mint is fully installed upon starting your PC you will be given a choice of which operating system you want to use Windows or Linux Mint

Linux Mint 9 Download

http://www.linuxmint.com/edition.php?id=52

Linux Mint 9 User Guide

http://www.linuxmint.com/rel_isadora.php

also worth considering is Linux Mint 10 which is based upon Ubuntu 10.10

Linux Mint 10 Download

http://www.linuxmint.com/edition.php?id=67

Linux Mint 10 User Guide

http://linuxmint.com/rel_julia.php

You download the ISO. image of Ubuntu 10.10 Linux Mint 9 or Linux Mint 10 then you need to create a Bootable LiveCD for installation

Ubuntu 10.10 Linux Mint 9 and Linux Mint 10 and can also be run direct from the LiveCD from Boot without touching your Hard Drive

LUg.

Installing Ubuntu Alongside Windows Xp

Yes, it is possible. The only problem is that Windows won't see the D: partition, because Ubuntu needs a different file system that windows doesn't recognize (ext4).

I am dual booting Ubuntu and Windows 7 right now, and I have no problem with that.

You will also have to create a swap partition, somewhere between 1 - 4 GB big, you will be prompted during the installation.

Ewe betcha.

With the possible exception that 10.10 might be a bit robust for your hardware.

Best to verify the requirements before making the leap.

9.10 is what I use on older hardware.

Verify your systems "bit" also; either 32 or 64. There are differences and different downloads for that aspect.

Before installing from an "ISO image" CD, you need to set the BIOS to "Boot from CD/DVD".

Here's a quick guide with screenshots:

http://www.psychocats.net/ubuntu/installing

yes, this can be done. a couple notes:

windows should be installed first (less risk of breaking the Master Boot Record)

the second partition won't be able to be read by windows. The file system will be ext4 by default, which windows can't read, but ubuntu will be able to read your windows partition.

just make sure you select the right drive when you install it... you don't want to accidentally erase all your data from within xp.

Yes, Ubuntu can run alongside Windows XP.

Yes easily

I do and i recommend it. Having XP already loaded and then going to xp/ubuntu dual boot is a very well travelled route and very well catered for

If you have already sorted your drive you have more than enough technical ability - installation is very well covered here https://help.ubuntu.com/8.04/switching/installing....

If you have any problems - and i expect you won't, you will find lots of help here or on the ubuntu forums

http://ubuntuforums.org/

EDIT

You have 8 answers in 12 minutes - any help you need with linux is very easy to get

This is quite easy to do, but it will result in a size change for the windows partition, unless you get a whole separate drive, which isn't too much money and the best plan. Windows won't even recognize the linux partition, but linux will know how to read/write to the windows.

Yes

it won't be your d drive anymore if you install to it, windows can't read ext4 partitions natively (there used to be an experimental program with this, but it was risky in those days, not sure if it's gotten better, windows has no interest in ever having this ability) ubuntu on the other hand will read the c drive just fine.

like other guy said, read the prompts, it's easy.