[alz789]

Im trying to install Arch Linux on Windows 98, the computer has the spec to run it. I brought the a disc with Arch Linux on and when I insert the disc nothing happens, I opened the disc and none of the files will open.

Sorry as its properly a stupid question but im not that good with computers.

[Mak213]

You need to restart the PC with the disk in the tray. Then you should see the Arch Linux start up. Linux is a Operating System just like Windows 98 and you can not just install it within Windows. You must either use Windows or Arch Linux.

[Jayce]

Windows 98 is the operating system on the computer. Due to your current configuration, I'm sure Windows 98 is taking up the entire drive. But Arch Linux would require space to run, at which point you would probably be stuck with either Windows 98 OR Arch Linux. Not "and", OR.

If you put the Arch Linux disc in and reboot as suggested above, you will be prompted with the Arch Linux screen. If you follow through with the options to install it, it'll wipe your Windows 98 installation.

If this computer is simply a POS sitting around that's not a big deal to delete Windows 98, then you should be in good shape. If you need this PC for whatever reason, then this idea may not be a good one.

[Greg]

Doesn't Arch give you the option to partition and dual boot during the installation? Most other distros do...

[Jayce]

Originally Posted by Greg

Doesn't Arch give you the option to partition and dual boot during the installation? Most other distros do...

Right. The one thing I'm unsure about offhand is whether or not Windows 98 would automatically be resized to allow room behind its partition for use with Arch Linux.

I'm not too sure though. Every time I install a dual boot system, I do it by manually editing the partitions the way I want, so I'm not sure what the guided options would even do.

[Brinson]

Does the OP even know what linux is?

Linux is an alternative Operating system to windows. You can really only run one at a time. Arch Linux is also bad for beginners as it is rather complex to setup. For newcomers, something like Ubuntu, Mint, or Opensuse is better. I reccomend Ubuntu.