Since everybody doesn't run 64-bit chips yet and I still needed to do Linux reviews, I had a dilemma.

In recent reviews of SUSE Linux, I talked about some of the challenges to running 64-bit Linux on an Athlon 64 notebook.

So how do you keep a sweet running SUSE/HP 64-bit notebook and still review 32-bit Linux versions? I could use a second machine. I could load Linux in different partitions.

My solution was to buy a second hard drive and swap it in for the job. This worked out well because I could load the new Linux version (not taking advantage of anything 64-bit) on the notebook, test things, then swap my original disk back in when finished. As an added benefit, perhaps the "test" disk could then be shoved into one of my non-Athlon antique laptops for additional tests.

Can you take a disk with Linux on it and use it in two totally different machines? I guess we'll see.

Next: Loading Xandros on the Athlon 64 Notebook »