Should I get the Linux operating system?

Question

I'm getting a little bored and really want to try something new with my computer. I'm really wondering what Linux is and how does it differ from windows 7. I'm 15 and have a hp laptop. I'm fairly good with computers and would like to challenge myself with them. Is there a way that I can get linux on a CD disk or flash drive without having to install anything on my laptop? I'm really trying to keep my laptop as organized and free as possible without a lot of memory being taken up. I've read that you can put it on a CD or download it to boot load. So final question: What are the benefits of having linux over windows and is there a way to have it so it is not loaded on my computer's hard drive?

Answer 1

Try ubuntu is user friendly. You can make a persistent USB stick and boot from it all the time anywhere you want. As a good advantage is that are just a few viruses for linux.

Answer 2

You download the Linux .iso file, burn the image file to a CD and they boot the computer from the CD. Most but not all distributions will run as a LiveCD loading into memory and never touch the Hard Drive or your current operating system. I installed mine to an external hard drive, when I boot I use the boot menu to choose the Hard Drive or the external hard drive to boot from. You can install it to a Flash drive if that is the way you want to go. Be aware that if you are a Gamer, it isn't quite yet the system of choice for this even though there are a lot of games that can be run in Linux.



Ubuntu is the third largest Linux used World Wide and highly recommended, but for some one new I would suggest Pinguy Version 10.10 which is a Ubuntu remaster and have all the proprietary software pre installed for the user, where as Ubuntu you have to install those and they are provided in the software management software. I do not like the new Version of Ubuntu or the direction they are taking Linux.



Things you will enjoy. 1. Virtually Zero down time. 2. You won't constatntly be fixing the operation system or chasing down tracking all the irritations that window has. 3. Your system won't crash all the time. 4. If you are a programmer, there are a lot of software files for this and if you like to play around, there are files for hacking and password cracking.

Answer 3

It seems as if most Linux distros can run off of a USB flash drive or CD/DVD.



I'm currently using Ubuntu, however Xubuntu might be a better choice as it uses very little resources. You can run it off of a USB flash drive with no problem.



Once you have downloaded an ISO of the distro of your choosing, I' use the following program in Windows to create a bootable USB (assuming your laptop can boot via a USB drive)

http://unetbootin.sourceforge.net/



The major benefits I find with Linux is security and speed. Although not immune to attacks, Linux is far more secure then Windows (although in credit to Windows, it's getting better).



Even the slowest Linux distro I find faster then Windows.

Answer 4

There is much to be said for running Linux from LiveCD/DVD as it runs from the available RAM on a Computer. Performance can be surprisingly good if there is sufficient amount of RAM available



The major downside is settings cannot be saved between sessions so it is better to use a Linux distro. that will work out of the box without the need to install things like Flash player and multimedia codecs.



I thoroughly recommend Linux Mint 11. Its easy to install and easy to use plus it comes with much of the software you are likely to need preinstalled (Including Flash Player and Codecs)



Linux Mint 11 Download

http://www.linuxmint.com/edition.php?id=81



Linux Mint 11 Release Notes/User Guide

http://linuxmint.com/rel_katya.php



You download the ISO. image of Linux Mint 11 then you need to create a Bootable LiveDVD

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/BurningIsoHowto





LUg.

Answer 5

live cd or pendrive linux

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Use unetbootin or lili to put the .iso file on a memory stick.

Of all the live discs, i love puppy linux the best.





If you really want to do more with linux

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Install the excellent linux mint 11 (choose 32bit or 64bit as required)

When you feel comfortable, install additional window managers and explore their features and technical aspects.

Lightweight WMs to try are fluxbox, FVWM Crystal, IceWM, JWM, E17. They are memory efficient and slick. Some of them can handle advanced libraries and plug-ins which means you get to keep your integrated desktop environment and high-end video.





What's the difference with linux?

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Appearance - clean, legible text rendering and colour accuracy.

Control - your box won't be doing random krep without your approval.

Security and privacy - popular distros are secure by default. A few viruses exist but you have to be super stupid to circumvent all the security features to execute rogue code.

Free - no dumba55 commercial licenses. no idiots calling you a 'pirate' when you do some word processing or listen to some music. donate to projects if you wish.

Answer 6

You can download the Ubuntu distro of linux from their website for free. Just burn it on a disc and install it. Ubuntu is the most popular linux distro.



www.ubuntu.com

Answer 7

i imagine the different responders have replied your questions, i go with to allow you to recognize about a sparkling tremendous problem-free thanks to position in Ubuntu. See the link below. you do not might want to burn a cd. you purely receive a record referred to as wubi (domicile windows UBuntu Installer) and run it. that's going to receive the ubuntu device and set up it on your device. in case you go with to eliminate it you take advantage of domicile windows upload eliminate characteristic to thoroughly eliminate it. be particular to study the FAQ. the 2d link is the position you donwload wubi. The 0.33 and fourth links can help you you do issues in ubuntu. the way you get something achieved in linux isn't a similar as in domicile windows in order to have a delightful adventure that's major study the tutorials and classes. have relaxing

Answer 8

I think you have gotten complete answer from the answers given above I just want to add one thing.

if you like gaming I suggest you try linux live gamers dvd from http://live.linux-gamers.net/

just download the dvd iso file from the site and burn it to a dvd.

then boot with the dvd its live and has alot of games and it doesn't need installing anything.