[duncan]

Linux Users:

After installing Windows 7 first, I thought on multiple-boot Windows and Linux setups, we were supposed to boot into our Linux OS and then install at least three partitions per Linux distro;

/boot (500mb)
/ (10-15gb for root)
swap (1.5 - 2x RAM)

Add a fourth partition for /home (remainder of HDD space)

Then you can write GRUB bootloaders into those /boot partitions so you don't mess with the Windows MBR. Setup OS into / root. Some gb for swap. Then discretionary amount remaining for /home to save user data and profiles.

Am I wrong on that?

Seems like I would have 8 plus partitions for two Linux distros under that setup.

Simpler way to run Win 7 and two/three Linux distros like Peppermint, EasyPeasy, or Joli OS?

Yeah, I'm a distrohopper



Try YUMI if you'd like to load several Linux ISOs on one USB drive for testing, IT work, or repair rescue.

Have Ubuntu 12.04, Peppermint Two, EasyPeasy, and Joli OS on one bootable USB!

[harrygunner]

I partition to make changes in the OS easier and to enhance security. I also have a separate /boot partition. 500MB is enough,
but I wouldn't go much smaller given the size of today's kernels.

A separate /home directory will survive reinstalling the OS, so I suggest adding that. /home can also be set up to be encrypted and mounted with your login password.

Other ideas to consider in general, (not so much for your multiple Linux installations).

/tmp
/var/tmp
/usr/local
/powerless

- One can set up swap, /tmp and /var/tmp to be encrypted partitions that use random keys at boot up. So, data they might hold is eliminated when the system is shut down or rebooted.

- I place special applications in /usr/local so that they will survive an OS upgrade.

- /powerless is a small partition owned by a user that has no shell and can't log in. I set my browsers to 'sudo' to that user. All the browser config files, cache, etc. reside in /powerless. Browser plugins and applications launched by the browser are automatically owned by 'powerless', limiting most cracker damage to that one partition.

I also have another encrypted partition for business files that is not mounted unless I log in as a different user.

Just some ideas for consideration. I really like how I can "do it my way" with Linux.

[GIockGuy24]

If all of the Linux systems are always in the computer, it should only need one Linux swap partition. When the other systems are added they will find and use the swap partition. It doesn't need a separate swap partition for each system in the computer.