Mageia on Windows 8

[linuxian]

I've read complaints about the difficulty in trying to install Linux on a secure boot Windows 8 computer on foss news sites. The articles seem to indicate that it's a big problem. Yet, I can't find any posting about it on the forums. Is there a problem? If so, how does one install Mageia 2 (or 3) on a new Windows 8 computer? I'm thinking of buying a new desktop and almost certainly, it will have Windows 8 already installed on it.

Thanks,
Linuxian

[benmc]

hi

I understand that you have to disable UEFI " secure boot " in the system bios before attempting the install.
I had to enable legacy boot in my ASUS P8B75-MLX mobo but I dont have windows at all.
Check with the motherboard website to see if Linux is ok before purchase.
Currently Mageia does not [ someone please correct me if I am wrong ] have UEFI keys available to install into the UEFI boot menu.
Unless win8 is loaded onto a ssd, could you just remove the hdd and fit an empty hdd and then install o/s of choice ?

just a question. Is keeping win8 / dual booting important?

Mageia-3 is still in development so Mageia-2 should just go

Kind regards

[claire]

AFAIK that's correct yes. Secure boot was discussed and plans were made but I think they will be plans for Mageia 4.

You could also look at using a shim bootloader, there was one being developed to act purely as a way to handle the need for a signed bootloader which would then hand off to any other OS as normal. Last I heard there were delays with the signing process but it may be ready now.

http://www.zdnet.com/shimming-your-way- ... 000008246/

[wintpe]

I have an asus zenbook prime that is armed with secure boot and comes preinstalled with windows 8.

ive wiped windows 8 from the computer and installed mageia 2.

you must disable secure boot in the bios and then enable the compatibility mode, which seems to have several names.

asus calls the option "Launch CSM", its usualy disabled and needs to be enabled , if you disable it after installing mageia it will fail to boot, till its enabled again.

what it does i think is put back the int based bios that a traditional PC of old has. Without this the PC has no traditional int based bios and older OS#s even windows XP will not boot.

Mageia 1 and 2 and all versions of mandriva are all based on the same boot system, and require this option, and that WONT change in mageia 3 i think.

anyhow the upshot of it is, im not sure if multi OS boot can be supported under this env with windows 8 and mageia, but frankly dont care, as im not about to ever adopt windows 8 as an operating system, anymore that i would macosx or ubuntu.

what i would recomend is people try to use mageia as the main OS , lean to achieve all thing you need under it, (this can be achieved with a bit of learning and work, and install windows XP or windows 7 under virtual box, or use wine, even crossoveroffice if its still going to bridge areas where needed, and as for games, use an xbox/playstation/wii, theres anough choice out there.

anyhow this is my opinion, im entitled to it.

regards peter