Ubuntu on Windows 7? Please help?

Question

I want to install Ubuntu on windows 7 because i hear linux is great. But what would i need to do? is it free? will i be able to switch back to windows 7? would i need to un install my OS? will it slow down my computer....im using a desktop with a 2.2 GHz AMD Sempron processer with 4 gb of ram and a 286 gb harddrive with plenty of room

Answer 1

It's legal so you need not to worry about that.



In my opinion, the best solution for you would be to install a Virtual Machine on Windows 7, and Install Ubuntu on the Virtual Machine, so in case you had a virus on the VM, it will not affect your Windows 7 and your boot will not be messed up anyways.



How hard is it to do that? peace of cake. try to get VMware workstation, install it and you can install Ubuntu on it as if you're starting with a new OS



Hope that helps

Answer 2

Legal - yes. And, you can keep your warranty.



Also, almost all distributions of Linux are free. This includes Red Hat, Debian, Ubuntu, and several others. Ubuntu has been reported as the easiest to use for first-time users.



You have multiple options-



If you want to KEEP windows 7, you can do one of these:

* Set up your computer as a "dual boot" so you can run either windows 7 or ubuntu, and you choose when you start the computer. (This is the most difficult and advanced method, so use care and read forums for assistance)

* Purchase a Virtual PC product such as Microsoft Virtual PC or VMWare Workstation. This will allow you to run a "virtual" computer inside Windows 7 so you can run Windows 7 and Ubuntu at the same time.



If you do NOT want to keep windows 7, do this:

* Simply download, burn, and run the Ubuntu CD. You will choose to erase the hard disk and install Ubuntu on the entire drive. Windows will no longer be usable (it will be erased). However, if you change your mind later, you can use the Recovery Disks that came with your computer. (WARNING: Some computers do NOT come with recovery disks and instead the user must create them using the built-in software, this is especially true on some HP, Compaq, and Toshiba computers. Read your manual to find out whether or not you need to burn your own disks! If you erase the hard disk without doing this, you will NOT be able to easily recover Windows 7!)

Answer 3

I ve run a dual boot with Ubuntu on XP I like linux. Linux may not always work with your printer, or your wireless card are some of the issues I had. How ever my main machine I got rid of xp and run Ubuntu only on it. It works with my HP printer which is great. I have a 2.0 amd its fine with 2 gigs of ram.

I would check with Walmart before going to a dual boot just to clear things up you may want to wait until your warranty is finished. I have never used anti-virus with Linux and I have run a lot of Linux distros over the years. I feel your risk to get a virus with windows is higher its the most popular computer in the world and most viruses are written for Windows.



Its not illegal to run Linux with Windows or Linux by itself.

Answer 4

I thoroughly recommend Linux Mint 9 Main Edition which is built upon Ubuntu 10.04 Its easy to install and easy to use plus it comes with much of the software you are likely to need preinstalled



Installing Linux as a dual-boot with Windows without partitioning

http://psychocats.net/ubuntu/wubi



Linux Mint has a similar installer called mint4win (mint4win works the same as Wubi so the instructions outlined above are almost identical)



You keep Windows as it is, mint4win only adds an extra option to boot into Linux Mint. mint4win does not require you to modify the partitions of your PC, or to use a different bootloader, and does not install special drivers. It works just like any other application.



mint4win keeps most of the files in one folder, and if you do not like it, you can simply uninstall it as any other application.



Boot in to windows insert the Linux Mint LiveCD and you will offered the option of installing inside windows which is where the mint4win installer comes in, you will be asked how many gigabytes you wish to allocate to Linux Mint (I recommend 8gb) then you set a password for your installation then click install and thats it.



Once Linux Mint is fully installed upon starting your PC you will be given a choice of which operating system you want to use Windows or Linux Mint



Linux Mint 9 Download

http://www.linuxmint.com/edition.php?id=52



Linux Mint 9 User Guide

http://www.linuxmint.com/rel_isadora.php



also worth considering is Linux Mint 10 which is based upon Ubuntu 10.10



Linux Mint 10 Download

http://www.linuxmint.com/edition.php?id=67



Linux Mint 10 User Guide

http://linuxmint.com/rel_julia.php



You download the ISO. image of Linux Mint 9 or Linux Mint 10 then you need to create a Bootable LiveCD for installation



Linux Mint 9 and Linux Mint 10 and can also be run direct from the LiveCD from Boot without touching your Hard Drive



By Dual Booting using the method above it will not have any impact on the performance of Windows and it will not render the warranty void.





LUg.

Answer 5

Your RISK of getting a virus is the same with any computer. There are a lot fewer Linux viruses, so the ODDS of getting a LINUX virus when you're running Linux are lower.