I need help with Linux?

Question

Im getting fed up of windows of windows vista and i want to install linux. will instlling linux erase all of my files saved in windows?

Answer 1

No it will NOT remove all your files if you don't want it to. You can use what is called a dual boot and have the option of using either one when you boot the computer. I would suggest that you use the dual boot in case you don't like linux and can return to it easily.

The live-cd is a very good way to find out which version of linux will work the best on YOUR set of hardware in your computer. Some versions of linux MAY have problems with a piece of your hardware. The problem CAN be corrected but it will take extra effort. If you can find one that works for you out of the box it will be much easier for you as someone new to linux.

You can go to this site to look for various live-cds.

http://distrowatch.com/search.php

There is another new way to install ubuntu on a windows computer. It is called wubi. You download the file called wubi, run it, and it will download ubuntu and install it on your computer inside windows. It will not affect your windows files. If you decide to remove ubuntu you simply go to add and remove programs and remove ubuntu and it will be completely removed.

I would suggest you read the links below and see if it is what you want before you try it.

Good luck.

Answer 2

Your a true noob, it's a long story to get linux up and running. And should not be attempted by a true noobie, But if your windows days are coming to an end, then jump right in. And sort it all out as you go along.



You do not have to fully migrate from windows, Because linux is still in development. But well worth the effort and is a very stable platform.



I would buy a second hard-drive and devote the whole drive to a linux install, and have windows on a second drive. You can dual boot windows and linux off of the same HD, also.



I reccomend Linux debian, jump right in. Lenny is nearly out of freezing. So i would get testing, binary CD-1 2nd source. Just choose your Arch.

Answer 3

The short answer is that it will not necessarily delete all your existing files.



If you run the installation from a live CD from, for instance, (k)ubuntu, it will detect that you have windows installed and offer to shrink the windows partition, leaving you with a dual-boot machine. It is easy enough, if your hardware is supported, which you can test using the live CD.



If you run linux from a live CD it will not use your existing hard disk unless you explicitly tell it that it can, although it will run very much slower from a CD than it would if it was installed on your disk.



Kubuntu is said to be a very easy distribution for users making the transition to linux from Windows.

Answer 4

Look, more to the point it takes a skilled person to work with Linux and your question proves your just not gonna know enough. Example:

Windows uses the NTFS or FAT 32 file system. To be compatible with both you would need to ensure that your Windows install is FAT 32 so that your LInux install could see your legacy files.. You could duel boot but I'm guessing is that if you have reached this line your probably well confused....READ line one again.

Windows 7 is in beta and is fantastic, no I better stop I can see confusion again....

Answer 5

Burn your files to DVD or an external hard drive.

Install Linux Mint 6 and configure it at http://www.howtoforge.com

Go to Ubuntu, scroll down and you will see "The Perfect Desktop: Linux Mint 6" Follow the instructions and when you have installed you can put your files back.

Answer 6

It will depend on how your hard drive is partitioned(number of parts). Most computers will have one large partition that has everything stored in it, programs files etc.



Yes with a single partition it will remove your files in windows. Probably best you store your files on a flash/pen drive or a portable hard drive.



Then restore when you have installed new operating system, I would recommend Ubuntu, easiest for new user to linux.



Have added a link that might answer some questions on installation.

Hope it helps.

Answer 7

It's called Live CD.

Live CD's will not touch your hard disk whatsoever.

Unless you explicitly do so.



It will run somewhat slower.

But it's a great way to explore about Linux

Answer 8

Yes,



Once you install Linux, you will loose all files. It'll be just like purchasing a new computer. Also, once you install Linux you may not be able to connect to the Internet if your modem isn't compatible.



On some parts, it may also be tricky to install Linux.

Answer 9

yesa