[GRLUG] Multiboot distros

[Grand Rapids Linux Users Group]

My laptop runs Arch (primary), Ubuntu, Debian, and Windows.  How you 
proceed depends mainly on whether this machine is BIOS or UEFI-based.  
What I would probably do is:

1. If it's BIOS-based, partition your drive as a couple small /boot 
partitions (1GB or so - one partition per distro) and a big LVM 
partition.  Then add an LVM LV (logical partition) inside of the volume 
group for root partitions for each distro.  Add swap partitions as well 
if you like.

2. If it's UEFI-based, one of your installs should set up an EFI 
partition for you.  You will need boot partitions for each distro.  Root 
partitions can be either primary partitions or live within an LVM volume 
(my preferred method).  Add swap partitions if you like.

Most modern distros do a pretty good job of keeping track of each other 
when installing their bootloaders, so as long as you get the partitions 
where you want them the rest should be pretty easy.

Warm Regards,
Kyle Maas



On 3/3/22 17:22, Grand Rapids Linux Users Group wrote:
> Need to build a lab machine for network testing with two or three differnt
> distros, .. but the only resources I can find either start with a Winblows
> partition or focus on a thumb drive.
>
> Any sources on building a multiboot *system*?
>
> 	TIA!