IM thinking of trying out Linux

[XXzz-Trauma-zzXX]

Im thinking of Dual Booting my current PC with Ubuntu and XP(Current OS). Does anyone have a dual bootable PC that they have another OS on it? I really want to try Ubuntu out as Ive heard so much good about it. I dont necessarily want to completely overwrite XP because my mom gets paranoid because she knows nothing about computers. So im going for a dual boot so that my brother and anyone else can use XP while I try out Ubuntu for a while. Can anyone give me suggestions on how I do this and their thoughts on my Idea. Thank you much.

 

[s14sh3r]

The first thing is to head over to the Ubuntu forums and register. Have you tried a live CD to see how it runs? Linux is a lot of fun if you're like me and like tweaking computers. I used to dual boot xp and ubuntu. Setting it up is pretty straightforward, the ubuntu CD can make a partition for linux and set up a bootloader so you can choose which OS to load.

 

[Stinky Wizzleteats]

I currently Triboot my main: XP, OSx86 & LinuxMint (use the Vista bootloader) & love it.

This a pretty good guide for dual booting ubuntu: Clicky

Linux is fun to mess around in and is deff worth the time it takes to install it.

 

[XXzz-Trauma-zzXX]

I tried a live CD s14sh3r and It wouldt work. So I guess I cant do it on my computer

 

[s14sh3r]

I tried a live CD s14sh3r and It wouldt work. So I guess I cant do it on my computer

There are several reasons why it didn't boot, that's why I always suggest joining the ubuntu forums. You can search for similar setups and see what needs to be done.

List your computer specs, including motherboard manufacturer and I'll see what advice I can offer.

Don't give up on it. I know it's frustrating sometimes, but there's always a solution. This is how you learn

I have to take my daughter to a doctor's appointment, but I'll check this thread out when I get back and see how you're doing.

 

[Stinky Wizzleteats]

Don't give up on it. I know it's frustrating sometimes, but there's always a solution. This is how you learn

Agreed, 1st time linux can be frustrating, but once you get used to it youll fall in love & never want to go back to Micro$haft.

 

[Die Geheimwaffe]

Be prepared for a large performance drop in any games you play, assuming you can get them to work.

I prefer Fedora over Ubuntu. I've tried them both and I must say, despite it's reputation, Ubuntu isn't any easier than Fedora. Fedora is extremely popular with the more advanced crowd and is extremely well documented. Plus Yum is better than apt-get in my opinion.

 

[DragonD]

I prefer Fedora over Ubuntu. I've tried them both and I must say, despite it's reputation, Ubuntu isn't any easier than Fedora. Fedora is extremely popular with the more advanced crowd and is extremely well documented. Plus Yum is better than apt-get in my opinion.

I've been a redhat/fedora user for about 12 or so years...

 

[Stinky Wizzleteats]

I prefer Fedora over Ubuntu. I've tried them both and I must say, despite it's reputation, Ubuntu isn't any easier than Fedora.

Atleast he isnt starting out with a flavor along the lines of Slackware, heh

On a serious note, the flavor of linux you use should be whichever one you enjoy. Going with a mainstream version such as Ubuntu or Fedora is a fantastic way to get started in the linux world as there are many guides & tons of support to get you going. From there you can branch out & play around with some of the other options if you choose.

Happy computing

 

[Prisoner416]

Ubuntu is fairly simple to get running with a duel-boot inside XP.

I use it constantly whenever I don't need to game. Much faster and more stable.

 

[REpear]

To be on topic: I would suggest reading the forums from ubuntu as mentioned. You need to get familiar with Linux itself before diving into an install. You need to learn some basic terminology that goes with Linux and how the install process transitions.

Personally I suggest getting a 2nd HD to install Linux on because your new to Linux and plan on really getting into it but keeping your mother happy with XP on the computer. If you have no problem of possibly messing up the single HD with XP on then your fine with 1HD.

Check out CentOS its the free version of Redhat Enterprise Edition. VERY stable OS I have never had any problems with it. The only issues I would think would be if your using the latest and greatest technology in your computer and run into drivers issues. I hate how Ubuntu locks you out from directly logging into Root.

 

[s14sh3r]

Personally, I like Linux Mint. It's Ubuntu based, so it uses the same repositories. It has multimedia codecs preinstalled and is great for the new linux user.

 

[NCA]

If you want some practice with doing a Linux install and playing with the results WITHOUT partitioning/formatting your drive, may I suggest VirtualBox? It'll let you create a virtual computer with a virtual hard drive. You can install Ubuntu onto it, then tinker and play around with it to your hearts content. You can run the virtual machine in window mode (screenshot) or fullscreen mode. When you're done playing with Ubuntu, all you need to do is right click on the virtual machine and select Delete, and that's that. No formatting, no partitioning, no dual booting needed.

Potential downsides: VirtualBox has some support for Direct3D and OpenGL, but you can't play recent games inside a virtual machine. The virtual machine will also require you to have at least 256-512MB RAM available for Ubuntu.

 

[BFM]

I was just getting ready to say use VMWare Workstation or VirtualBox. Good call NCA.