Install Ubuntu without overwriting the MBR?

What computer models/manufacturers have a higher chance of MBR corruption after "daul-boot" installing ubuntu?

• I want to create a dual-boot installation of ubuntu 12.04 on my hard drive, which has windows xp already installed on it. I have everything setup and ready to install, but I want to know the t risk of corrupting my hdd. Are there any known computer models that do not install correctly? (Sys specs below) The reason I want to know is that, I know I can create a backup and all of all my stuff, but I share the computer, and the other user has it setup with her office. If I have to re-install all the data, she would have to setup everything all over again, and that would take AGES. If I can, I would rather prevent corrupting my disk by not installing Ubuntu, in order to avoid the chaos it would cause. The reason I'm so suspicious of my installation becoming awry, is because the Ubuntu website, as well as most installation tutorials have warned of the possibility. If anyone is aware of any specific hardware that does not react favorably with the installation, or anthing else, please let me know. -- Sys Specs Windows XP Pro version 2002 SP3 Dell Vostro 220s (came installed with Vista) intel core 2 duo e7400 @ 2.80ghz 2.79 ghz, 2.69 gb ram i have successfully run ubuntu off a flash drive, by the way. Guys, I just want to know: would you try to install ubuntu on MY comp, knowing that its a dell, as well as the sys specs above? thanks in advance!

• Answer:

  I used to dual boot, but found it to be a big pain in the butt switching OSs. Look into VMWare, the free version. You can pretty efficiently run an entire Linux OS as an "app" on your desktop. This is a way better method since you can open and minimize your Linux desktop just like it's a normal program. Performance is *really* good as well.