Ubuntu

Jimmy1983 · 11 Jul 2007 at 22:04

First time post in here guys. Receieved a free Ubuntu, many moons ago's and ive been wanting to have a play for a while. My current set-up is that iam dual-booting with xp and vista, although I would like to delete the xp partition if poss.

Would my best bet be to install a new HDD, smallish one and run Ubuntu on that?

Thanks all

Edit, another idea I would like is to use something like VMware to run it, is this possible? Then if I didnt like it to much I could remove it.

SiriusB · 11 Jul 2007 at 22:20

VMWare would allow you to run it inside Windows so if that makes you feel better then go for it.

If you want to install it natively then getting a separate HDD is probably a better idea. During the setup it will ask you where you want to install the boot loader. You have two options.

1: Install it to the Windows HDD's MBR [poses a small risk of killing your Windows MBR]

2: Install it to the Linux HDD. If you choose this option you will need to set the Linux HDD as the first boot device in your BIOS. This is what I do as it is peace of mind and keeps everything separate from the Windows HDD.

Whether you use VMWare or not, you can follow the guide here: www.aeternum.co.uk/smp/smp.html

It has sections on Native and VMWare installs, so take your pick. Just ignore the rest of the guide concerning Folding@Home.

Jimmy1983 · 11 Jul 2007 at 22:35

Thanks SiriusB, what do you mean by Natively? Are using VM fairly easy, is there any reason for not installing ubuntu like this?

SiriusB · 11 Jul 2007 at 22:58

Natively just means installed properly to a HDD.

There is nothing wrong with running Ubuntu in VMWare - especially if you are just trying it out. In fact in VMWare is probably better if you really don't want the hassle of messing about with partitions, bootloaders etc.

And if you poke something it wont break your computer

Maxi · 11 Jul 2007 at 23:47

Depending how old the cd actually is. You should really upgrade to the latest 7.xx release. I imagine the cd is <6.06

Rhys · 12 Jul 2007 at 13:21

If your a Linux noob then I really recommend Linux Mint. From what I have read its Ubuntu with knobs on.

I once tried to dual boot and got into a bit of a mess (all my own fault). I also recommend installing it into a Virtual PC first.

If youve never used Linux the likely first reaction is "what the hell is this?!". With it installed in a Virtual PC you can tinker whilst have a working OS with Google at the same time.

Jimmy1983 · 27 Jul 2007 at 16:21

Maxi said:
Depending how old the cd actually is. You should really upgrade to the latest 7.xx release. I imagine the cd is <6.06

nah, the cd I have is 7.04 which I believe is the latest version.

Ive got vmware running, now will I have to partition about a 5gig space to install ubuntu or do I not need to as iam using a VM? Whn using a VM which the OS actually install?

Also ive got a 64 bit version, how do I find out with CPU I have in xp pro?

SiriusB · 27 Jul 2007 at 19:01

Right-click on My Computer and click Properties.

The window that opens should tell you what CPU you have.

As for VMWare, tell it to make a HDD about 3 or 4GB and then install Ubuntu. You won't have to worry about what Ubuntu does to the disk as it is just a file. If you are stuck just use the default options.