Can You dual boot ubuntu on a NTFS hard drive with windows xp

I am new to linux but i would assume not. Linux uses it own filesystem which has parameters which cannot be invoked with NTFS like permissions. The only thing you can do is to have 3 partitions, the linux root, lunux swap and your NTFS and install the linux on the linux root partition and then install GRUB, the bott loader and that will let you boot into either linux or windows. (You are asked about install GRUB when you install ubuntu)

Naza is basically correct. Ubuntu will reside on its own partition and windows will remain on its own ntfs partition. The only thing I would add is to NOT mess with manually partitioning for the ubuntu install. This is often confusing to newer users and some end up erasing their windows install. Instead, just let the installer do it's thing - it's very well designed. There are 3 options on step 4 of the install (assuming version 7.04): resize and share (giving you a dual boot), use entire disk (goodbye windows) and manual. Make sure you do the resize option. The grub boot loader will be automatically set up as well. If grub doesn't work right, don't panic. On some setups grub doesn't get set up right (this is not very common), so if this happens post back and we can help you fix it.

The only other word of advice is to be sure to back up anything you are unwilling to lose. I've never seen the install mess up windows, but human error is not that uncommon so unless you like gambling I'd back up.