This question actually concerns the master boot record. I am trying to install Linux as a 2nd OS on a box that has win2k pro on it now. I am confused as to whether I will be able to boot Linux once installed. I have a 40 GB hard drive 30GB of which is dedicated to win2k and I have left the remaining 10GB for Linux. I have read that in order for Linux to boot it must reside within the first 1023 cylinders of the drive (which it won't), but I have also read that LILO can boot both OS's, or, conversely, that the win2k bootloader can boot both. I just would like to know the facts before I render win2k unbootable.

While on the subject, can someone please explain the boot process? From what I have read the boot loader resides on the first sector of the disk. If you can make the boot loader 'point' to any OS, then why is there a 1023 cylinder limitation?

I appreciate the help. Thanks.