Help with partitioning

[SEMPERFIDELIS]

I need to partition my HDD to install XP on a small portion. Not quite sure how to do this on linux (Ubuntu 10.10). Says to unmount I need SU, I assume this means Id need to do it in Terminal then and Im unsure of the commands needed.

[jeffv2]

install gnome partition editor from software management or synaptic

[SEMPERFIDELIS]

I have two problems:
1. The system needs to be unmounted to partition it.
2. I have no way to back up my data.

[jeffv2]

you want the main file system to be unmounted?
then boot with the install cd and use gnome partition editor to resize your partition
but it says there are risks for doing this, i have never had it happen but its possible.

[adsfa34]

you want the main file system to be unmounted?
then boot with the install cd and use gnome partition editor to resize your partition
but it says there are risks for doing this, i have never had it happen but its possible.

+1 yep, burning a live cd is the best/easiest method.

the boot from a cd takes forEVER jsyk but once you're booted, just run gparted (should be included by default in 10.10) and then partition and format away!

and yes, there are risks of data loss when resizing a working partition....so a proper backup = peace of mind

EDIT: also, i've never used this, but i found this backup tool for 10.10 : remastersys

[prime]

I suggest you write the linux iso image to a flash drive, boot times are similar to an hd installation (with the additional hardware detection time).

Check out: unetbootin if you haven't already.