Linux « How-To Geek Forums

Posts: 76

Lately, I have been getting different thoughts about whether linux is good or bad, so I was wondering if someone could give me a link or at least some information about linux that can help me understand it a little more.

Posted 2 months ago #

whs

Posts: 5058

Reading is good, trying it out is better. Use Wubi that the Geek often recommends. No need for dual boot or anything fancy. Runs like an application on Windows. http://wubi-installer.org/

Posted 2 months ago #

newagepirate

Posts: 76

I know you said that, but I dont have a good computer right now, and Im not sure what specs I need to run it

Posted 2 months ago #

whs

Posts: 5058

Those are the system requirements: 256 MB memory, 5 GB harddisk space, Windows 98, 2000, XP, Vista
PS: you could have started by reading the link. Those specs were right there.

Posted 2 months ago #

newagepirate

Posts: 76

Oh, sorry. Thanks for the specs, Ill try that and get back to you. But I have a question. Do I have to download ubuntu also or just wubi?

Posted 2 months ago #

whs

Posts: 5058

Just Wubi

Posted 2 months ago #

newagepirate

Posts: 76

Oh cool, thanks

Posted 2 months ago #

whs

Posts: 5058

Note though that you need a host operating system - any of the above mentioned. Because it behaves like an application.

Posted 2 months ago #

newagepirate

Posts: 76

I have xp so it should be just fine

Posted 2 months ago #

whs

Posts: 5058

OK, that sounds great.

Posted 2 months ago #

newagepirate

Posts: 76

Ill probably post monday and tell you how it went, if I get time to do it this weekend

Posted 2 months ago #

jack7h3r1pp3r

Posts: 2046

and the most popular linux os would probs be ubuntu but it really depends on what you are going to be using it for.

Posted 2 months ago #

Lighthouse

Posts: 5315

Yes you do need to download Ubunto, but Wubi does it for you (you have a choice of which Linux's it can download).
It sets up a dual boot system, with no need for repartitioning.

Posted 2 months ago #

JKay

Posts: 74

yes but in the installer doesnt wubi give you a choice of a partition? On the part where it wants to set aside 8-30 gigs for linux?

Posted 2 months ago #

Lighthouse

Posts: 5315

It doesn't create a partition. Just creates a folder, like when you install any s/w

Posted 2 months ago #

JKay

Posts: 74

So if I use wubi and run ubuntu with it, I'm still getting all my resources sucked by vista?

Posted 2 months ago #

Lighthouse

Posts: 5315

Um..no. You either boot into Vista OR Ubuntu. Not both at the same time

Posted 2 months ago #

JKay

Posts: 74

Wow I didnt know you could have both installed on the same partition, sorry for the questions, I've tried to use wubi, I have the installer but I dont have the patience with the slow internet here to download the 700g file for ubuntu... I'll have to try it in a week when I get home for vacation.

Posted 2 months ago #

jd2066

Posts: 2817

Usually you can't have two OSes installed on the same partition. Wubi works by installing Ubuntu to a disk image that is stored in the partition.
The disk image being c:\ubuntu\disks\root.disk.

Posted 2 months ago #

Lighthouse

Posts: 5315

Thanks for the explanation jd.

Posted 2 months ago #