Linux

[whiskeryron]

I think I would like to try Linux, but I don't want to lose Windows. Can I run both on the same Computer in case I need to switch back to Windows? Ron.

[Ethel]

Yes - there are some versions of Linux that boot from a cd or memory stick.

Or you can set up a virtual pc and run it on that.

[whiskeryron]

Thanks Ethel,how do I set up a virtual pc ?(& what's the weather like in Dudley?)

[Ethel]

If you can wait I will post a link to detailed instructions here tomorrow.

Or if you like I can send you them through the post, with a Ubuntu cd.

:)

[whiskeryron]

Thanks again,Ethel,I look forward to your link tomorrow.Ron.

[rojash]

Ubuntu Live will run from a CD. If you are evaluating Ubuntu, keep in mind that (obviously) the CD version is slower, and less configurable.
You can get the live CD (it's an ISO file that you need to burn) from here:

http://librenix.com/?inode=5378

Or, you can get the latest Ubuntu from here:

http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu/download

Be warned - you may well fall in love with it, like me!

[dabees]

Hi Ron,

As Ethel says Ubuntu is well worth a try.

Down load it from here, http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu/download and follow the instructions on how to copy the files to a CD.

Once that is done and copied to a CD, Restart your computer but make sure your boot sequence starts the CD/DVD drive first.

Ubuntu will load from the CD and you can try it out, if you like it you can use the desktop install link to install it to your PC.

The new version of Ubuntu (8.10 or Intrepid Ibex) is very easy to install as a dual boot, the installation process will ask you if you want to install it along side windows and allow you to partition your main drive how you wish.

You can follow these easy instructions if you are worried about getting it wrong.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-23698 93842637434537&hl=en

All the best.

[dabees]

Too slow again. :-)

[rojash]

should have mentioned that both versions come complete with Firefox, Open Office, and Evolution e-mail client.

To add more software, you just go to the equivalent of Add/Remove programs, EXCEPT ...

It will list all the approved apps available on the web. Elect to install one, and the whole download and install process is automated.

[rojash]

Should also have mentioned that when I tried to do a dual boot install, following the instructions, it completely trashed by Vista installation. (This was Ubuntu 7, so hopefully 8 is better in that respect, but still make sure you have a recovery strategy before trying the dual boot!)

[ACtheTROLL]

virtual PC is excellent - everyone who wants to play with PCs should at least try it.

I've used it for 100s of years - the first version just had some black beads on a frame.

the discspace is real - as is the system RAM - so you need a good chunk of both (500Gb + 3Gb ram) - and a chunky processor helps - but you can get away with murder (I've run XP on a 700Mhz PC with 128Mb ram)

it gives you the chance to completely screw up a system without risking your precious files.

XP will run vista, server, linux etc etc - you can network the "machines" together - brill

[whiskeryron]

Thanks to all you A/Bers,before I do anything will someone explain the actual benefits of the system( I've only heard bits about it) Ron.

[sarah_louise]

I too tried a dual boot option but when I got fed up with the limitations of Linux and tried to remove it the MBR (master boot record) reported as corrupted and I had to completely reinstate Windows Vista from a backup image after much difficulty restoring the partition information.
Put it on an old PC ?

[ACtheTROLL]

when you say "the system" do you mean linux?
or virtual pc

virtual pc is brill
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Virtual _PC
(ab censors the microsoft link just google virtual pc 2007 )

linux - well it's linux - based on unix - and written by some really brilliant people - the trouble is - it's a bit like a restored car - happy memories - exciting to drive - uncomfortable as hell - only practical to take out on a sunday if it's not raining

the whole point of linux is it's an enthusiasts operating system - it takes 300 lines of code to configure a network card ..... and that's the whole point of linux - the fact that you know the 300 lines of code - and the unending fun you can have just to get your system working.

in an atempt to increase popularity they pushed a front end on it that looks remarkably like windows - which they said looked remarkably like macOS - which looked like the operating system xerox developed in the 70s (using unix!)

it's actually a good way of getting to grips with how it all works - but the whole idea of an operating system for most - is what it operates - it should be invisible

[Ethel]

Ron - are you still interested in the virtual pc? I can't find a link to the information I wanted to pass on to you, but could set up a website for you to look at.

It will take time but I'm happy to do it if you're interested.

[fo3nix]

While I think the above answers are great, I'd encourage you to try Ubuntu with Wubi.

http://wubi-installer.org/

It's an installer for Ubuntu that allows you to install and try Ubuntu as though you were trying some Windows program. It installs easily, and doesn't delete any partitions on your hard drive or mess with any fundamental files.

[whiskeryron]

Thanks again to all of you for your answers.
Ethel,I've had a look at AC the TROLL's suggestion (Virtual PC 2007) & I don't think it's for me, also rojash,dabees & fo3nix who suggest trying Linux.I am interested in all things in Technology, but as a so called silver surfer (83) I am now of the opinion that it would not be of use to me. Again let me say thanks to all of you for explaining things to me.Ron.

[Ethel]

Too bad, Ron - I have done it now for you.

It looks complicated and scary, but it really isn't. Set aside a couple of hours (a good half hour will be waiting for software to install, so you can have your dinner) and give it a go if you want to.

http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=ddd6pv79_68h6rjg pg5

[rojash]

Dunno what version of Linux ACtheTROLL's describing (maybe something from the 90's?)
When I installed Ubuntu, it detected and configured all my hardware automatically, including my dual monitor setup, and I had it networked and talking to my XP machine within a few minutes. It also provided better multi-lingual support for my Greek Microsoft keyboard than I get under Windows.

[Ethel]

Roj - have you looked at my link?

Can you see any glaring errors?