A few generic questions

Hi all, I've just got my first Mac and I love it. However I have some general questions.
These have probably been asked before but I wasn't able to find much so I'll post and hope.

-Backup:

What would folks suggest for a clone backup? Like an image file that i can restore my machine off?

-linux:

I need to use linux for various reasons (besides the fact that I like it).
The thing is my pc is shared between linux and the [non]operating system which I won't name here.

As one easily understands that machine is quite frequently rendered problematic and thus formatted, destroying the linux boot loader. So I was thinking of installing a linux on my Mini which probably won't need formatting for some time, so I'll be able to work reliably. So:

1.Is it possible to dual-boot with Tiger?
2.What boot loader is used?
3.What distro would u folks suggest?

-XCode Tools:

Is it possible to obtain some version that will work on Tiger? Anything I've gotten off the net has refused to install on my Tiger.


I'll probably come up with more along the way.

PS1: I think there should be an FAQ of this kind on the board to help ppl get started quickly.

1) back ups are upto you, but id recommend DVD backups either as an image or with the raw data its entirely personal preference

2) Linux doesnt play with the sound on the mini as far as i know.
Yes its possible to dual boot with Tiger but you will have to partition the drive with the Tiger DVD first.

The bootloader im guessing will be either Lilo or Grub

Distro IMO Yellow Dog (specialised for PPC arcitecture) or anything you personally like.

As for your PC problem why not back up the bootloader on a floppy then reload it when you redo winblows.

XCode tools is on the Tiger DVD that came with the mini so check that out

@inflexion:

1) what i meant was what software does what and how much does it cost (approximately, just so i know the kind of money i'll need)

2)thx i'll do that

as far as the pc problem goes i'm tired of this process every 2-3 months
i want something i can rely on and i the mac can cut it better than the pc

The mini shipped with Panther and I got a free Tiger DVD from the Greek dealership think it'll work?

PS1: thx for the i
PS2: Optimus Prime r0x but I always the ones that turned into sports cars the best.

PS3: The stuff I got off the Tiger DVD (XCode 2) won't install cause it says it's only meant for 10.3 & so does the 750meg download (arghhh....) from ADC (btw both said they're for Tiger ***?)

Try iBackup, let's you put your entire system onto an external drive. and it's free.

it's here.