Installing Linux over Linux?

[DJBenson]

I'm currently going through the major distro's trying each for their suitability as a destop replacement for me - and I've currently got Mandrake 10.1 installed but want to try Fedora Core next.

Is it possible to install Fedora over Mandrake - and will Fedora write it's own bootloader to the HDD to dual-boot with WinXP (as Mandrake currently has/does).

I've already tried RH9 in Microsoft Virtual PC but it runs too slow and it's not a true representation of how it (and Fedora) would perform with "real" hardware.

[Mark B]

yes and no - it really depends how you set up your hard disk.
Mine is setup with 2 linux partitions one for / (the root file system) and another for /home - when I install a different linux distro I format / but not /home and I can then keep my documents and specifications in that partition.I wouldn't recommend not formatting / as it will cause too many inconsitencies and library problems. You can try it but I really doubt you'll have a viable system...

Finally, yes Fedora should write it's own boot loader (if you tell it to) but if you don't you'll be left with an incorrectly configured mandrake boot-loader. Pointless so writing over it is the option I'd take mate.

Hope that helps