The Multi-Boot Configuration Handbook

Cleaning Up Existing OSs

After you've determined that your hardware is likely to work at least well enough to install the new OS, it's time to clean up your existing configuration.You might be puzzled by this advice, particularly if you plan to install an OS on a new partition, separated from your existing OS. There are reasons to tidy up your existing configuration first, though, such as the following:

• Reclaiming disk space— If you repartition your disk, it's helpful to first clear away old files so that you can better judge how much space to devote to each OS. Computers often accumulate megabytes of clutter in the form of temporary files that have lived past their usefulness, disused programs, ancient data files, and so on.

• Better utility operation— ...