I'd like to install linux (debian or ubuntu), but keep the preinstalled Windows that came with the computer, apparently the installation files are in a hidden partition (obviously I don't have any installation DVD or CD). Is it possible to install both OS in these conditions?DELL (mini) Inspiron 1012 netbookIntel Atom CPU N4502 GB RAMWindows 7 home basic SP1
Is it possible to have linux AND the preinstalled version of windows?
debian;ubuntu;windows;system installation;shared partition
Sure you can shrink the partition size of preinstalled windows and install linux debian or ubuntu as your wish side by side with the windows. Grub bootloader will help you to boot OS properly. For some persons, installing VM is NOT THE answer, it is depend on the Need. I personally have been using linux for about 8 years, 6 years on gentoo and last two years I use ubuntu/linux mint. My hobby is flashing smart phone devices, mostly for repair. In this case I can not use VM i.e on linux host running win XP guest, win xp will not function properly for flashing jobs and vise versa.