So im thinking about downloading Ubuntu and
how would I go about doing that? Im tired of Vista and I want something new. Is there anything I should know about Ubuntu before i download it?
March 15, 2011
So im thinking about downloading Ubuntu and
how would I go about doing that? Im tired of Vista and I want something new. Is there anything I should know about Ubuntu before i download it?
1 Comment • Newest first
Do you know anything about Linux at all..?
It's NOT a substitute for Windows. You won't be able to run ANY Windows software at all, unless you jump through "emulatior" hoops, and many times it ends up that the Windows programs won't work at all. Mainstream games won't run, major Windows applications won't run, almost nothing you're used to using will run.
There ARE "open source" versions of programs that are sort of like the things you're used to using- things like "Open Office" that emulate the features in Microsoft Office, but not everything has a Linux version, or similar program.
Linux is great for "tinkering" with your computer, and "dinkng around" with stuff, but unless you have a specific application that is well supported on Linux (like running network applications for one), you'll be essentially back in the computer stone age. It's basically a "command line driven" environment that relies on typing in individual commands to get anything done. There are "GUI" overlays that try to isolate you from this environment and make it "look" like Windows, but you'll often have to drop back into the command line shell to get things done. In other words, it requires a lot of learning to use effectively.
As far as how to download and install a "distro" (distribution) of Linux, go to the web site that supports the version you're interested in and download the "ISO" file for the package you want. Then burn the ISO file onto a CD or DVD (depending on how large it is), using a CD burning program that supports image burning. Then boot from the disc and run the setup from there. It will usually guide you thorough formatting your hard drive for use with Linux (which will wipe out Windows and all your files and programs), or partitioning the hard drive so you can "dual boot" Linux and Windows (which is probably a lot more preferable because it will let you still run Windows for when you get frustrated with Linux).
Once again, it's a great learning experience because you'll have to learn all the dirty details of how the computer operates in order to use it effectively, and it can be a lot of fun playing around with it. For a while.