Ubuntu

[Simon]

Ubuntu has quickly become the number one Linux distro for the desktop. Not only is it free, but it has also made Linux easier to use than ever. Now, Wubi enables Windows users to install Ubuntu just like any other application, so you no longer have to mess around with partitions, burning CDs, etc.

http://wubi-installer.org/

[Rik]

Useful tip, thanks, Simon. Danni will be interested...

[Sebby]

That's interesting; thanks, Simon.

When I have given Linux a go, it's been with Ubuntu, and it's certainly not really any more complicated to install than Windows. I just found day-to-day use a bit of a pain.

Still, it's useful for others who have always wanted to give Linux a go, but have been uncertain about the installation process.

[D-Dan]

Of course Virtualbox has let you do that for ages - and let's you install Windows inside Windows so that you can test new software in a sandbox environment.

Not to mention allowing you to install other OS's, such as AROS that you wouldn't otherwise want to install for real in their infant state.

And it's free

[Rik]

Linky?

[Broadback]

Linux has long interested me, but to be honest, I am rather frightened by it.  Now I have a PC with 2 internal fixed drives and a removable one.  Can I install Linux as well as windows, and decide on switch on which to load? Also, of course, experiment with Linux without compromising Windows?  If so can some kind person point me in the right direction, also tell me how much disk space I will need.

[Rik]

Looking at the FAQs at Simon's link:

What are the system requirements?

256 MB RAM and an 1 GHz or faster Intel/AMD processor is recommended for optimal performance, though Xubuntu might work on less. As for disk space, the installation requires a minimum of 4GB. This space is mostly used by the virtual hard disk file. Most computers purchased within the last 3 years should be able to run Ubuntu fine, and Xubuntu is suitable for older computers.

It appears that it adds Ubuntu to the Windows boot menu, so yes you can choose at startup.

[Broadback]

OK, I will give it a go, so I may be some time!

[Rik]

Exit, stage left, singing "Wish me luck as you wave me goodbye".

[somanyholes]

These may also be of interest

They are live cd's, meaning you do not need to install anything at all, they run from the cd and use your ram for temporary storage. There is no risk whatsoever using these discs, if things go wrong just take the cd out and reboot and you will be back to normal windows again

These are very very useful for fixing a broken windows OS data recovery etc.

http://www.knoppix.org/
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/LiveCD

[Rik]

Thanks, useful links. 

[somanyholes]

cheers rik

now for the over the top list http://www.frozentech.com/content/livecd.php

nicely categorised,

[Rik]

Well, that should cover most eventualities.

[Broadback]

Hey I made it!  So I have loaded Ubutu, chose it on rebooting the system, it took quite a while, then when it had finished I seemed to be back in Windows.  True or false?

[Rik]

It doesn't sound right, but I haven't tried it to know what should happen.

[Broadback]

Ah, the answer was to do another rebbot.  I am now groping my way with Ubuntu, and in fact am posting this while using it.

[Rik]

That's pretty good progress, congratulations.

[mrapoc]

I had ubuntu as my main os for a while but i missed my games and having to keep choosing os on boot was annoying

Will deffo give this a try especially for browsing + cool compiz effects :p

[colirv]

I tried an Ubuntu live disk - booted up perfectly. Then I realised it had no drivers for my wireless keyboard and mouse. I really couldn't be bothered to sort that out and gave up!

[D-Dan]

Sorry - for not including a link in my post - but here it is Virtualbox

Also a free download - does the job that VMWare does - but cheaper (and IMO more reliably)

[john]

Hi D-Dan, do you know how virtualbox compares with MS Virtual PC ?

See link  here Virtual PC

The company I work for are using Virtual PC and I have used it briefly myself at work. I understand it's also free to download.

[Ted]

 I use Mandriva Linux-One 2008(CD) Link  contains all drivers and common plugins). Works great on wireless laptops or desktops. i use it when i'm away and use other peoples machines, no hard drive needed. Save any data to a memory stick.

[psp83]

I use Ubuntu on several boxes. Works fine with my wireless keyboard+mouse. Infact, everything works, printer, external drives etc etc.

Its easy to use and good at running a home/work server with.

We actually test websites throu browsers at work aswell to see if anything breaks.

[ducky22]

I've always liked SUSE... I find it the most comfortable to use a workstation. As a server its terrible!

We've found CentOS to be the most powerful of linux server distros. We use it on almost all servers we have - Red Hat Enterprise on a few which is basically the same thing anyway.

[D-Dan]

Hi D-Dan, do you know how virtualbox compares with MS Virtual PC ?

See link  here Virtual PC

The company I work for are using Virtual PC and I have used it briefly myself at work. I understand it's also free to download.

TBH - I never got on with Virtual PC from MS. I tried it two or three times and always hit glitches - either the virtualisation just didn't feel complete - or devices weren't properly detected, or the network failed etc. etc. VirtualBox just seems to work - and is cross platform (I use it on Ubuntu, XP and Vista - real Ubuntu Install - not virtual).

The only problem I had was getting the CD drived recognised on the Ubuntu version - but that was an Ubuntu config issue - not a Virtualbox issue.

IIRC - Virtualbox is a whole lot lighter than both VMWare and MS Virtual PC, too.

Steve