Install as dual boot

[tomharto]

I want to install ubuntu as a dual boot OS (running Windows 7 at the moment). What would be the best way for me to do this? Would it be the windows installer option Ubuntu has?

[shubham1]

you should first install windows then linux else windows will erase linux.you have to create partion.i have done but my windows is lost.

[shubham1]

linux does not allow more than 4 partions.at my time light was gone it was a great problem.

[tomharto]

I already have windows install just need to install ubuntu now :)

[reygcalantaol]

I need some ideas with this.

I have cpu amd sepron 2.7Ghz, and windowx xp profesisonal. Is my processor caple if I will have it dual boot with ubuntu?

[oldfred]

It looks like your processor is 64bit capable so you can run either the 32bit version or 64bit version.

How much memory do you have? If more than 2GB of RAM you can run the 64bit ok, not a real advantage until you get over 3GB of RAM. ..

How much hard disk space do you have? Have you housecleaned windows, defragged recently and have good backups?

Any major system work means you need good backups of your data and perhaps a full back up of windows.
Backup windows before install - post by Mark Phelps
http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1626990
http://www.macrium.com/reflectfree.asp
Another suggestion by srs5694
http://www.runtime.org/driveimage-xml.htm

Download the liveCD and try it on your system. If you can boot USB flash drives that is a better way. If burning a CD be sure to burn at slowest speed you can for a better burn.

Also instructions for CD or USB
http://www.ubuntu.com/desktop/get-ubuntu/download
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/BurningIsoHowto
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Installation/FromUSBStick
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/HowToMD5SUM

Sceens from different versions only vary slightly and process is the same. Heman's site may seem like a lot as he gives a lot of detail, but process is not difficult if you follow the directions.
Ubuntu Install steps - then choose guide, close to what you want.
http://members.iinet.net/~herman546/index.html
Installs with good screenshots/examples:
http://members.iinet.net.au/~herman546/p22.html
Install with separate /home from aysiu
http://www.psychocats.net/ubuntu/installseparatehome
http://news.softpedia.com/news/Installing-Ubuntu-10-10-160966.shtml