A friend pointed out that Ubuntu has a new version out.
I’m using version 6.06 for now, and may wait a few weeks before upgrading to let any kinks be worked out a bit more. If you’re using Windows, it’s a great time to jump into Linux too by downloading Ubuntu. You can keep both Windows and Linux on the same computer, choosing which you want to use when you start the computer.
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Rose | 28-Oct-06 at 4:27 pm | Permalink
I have been thinking about doing that, but I am still apprehensive. Should I put it on my old desktop first, or should I put it on my laptop and see what happens? I am not a computer whiz, but I don’t like windows that much.
Saskboy | 28-Oct-06 at 9:18 pm | Permalink
Rose, it depends on how well you can read directions from the Install screen, and if you have backups for your most important files. Since you’ll probably have to repartition your hard drive to put linux on it, it would potentially help for you to practice on your old computer so long as it’s got 128MB RAM.
If you have backups, or don’t care about possible data loss if you mess up by reading poorly, then try on your laptop, and give it a test drive. Actually thinking about the Ubuntu .iso, you get a Live CD, which means you can test it out before repartitioning/installing, so do it ASAP :) and see if you can kick the Windows habit. No installing means no chance of lost data, so the live boot CD is perfect for trying Ubuntu out.
You’ll want to download the 32 bit, desktop version, intel, ISO file that’s about 695MB. Then burn the file as a Disc Image, which is usually an option in your CD creation software menu. Then set your computer to boot from CD before the hard drive, (adjust the boot order in your computer BIOS when the computer boots it explains what key to press to get the BIOS menu). Start the computer with the CD in the drive, and you’re running Linux! You can surf the web over your highspeed, while you install Linux.
Repartitioning means you’re taking some of your Windows drive, and sizing it down a bit, to make at least 5GB free space for Linux to format as its own space. When you start your computer, a Linux Boot Loader will give you a menu to pick Linux or Windows, and choose for you after 30 seconds if you aren’t at the computer to pick one.