Want to move on from XP to Linux,

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around transitioning from Windows XP to Linux, focusing on the process of uninstalling Windows, wiping the hard drive, and selecting a suitable Linux distribution. Participants share their experiences and preferences regarding different Linux distributions, installation methods, and challenges faced during the transition.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Jameson seeks guidance on completely uninstalling Windows XP and installing Linux, expressing dissatisfaction with Knoppix and considering Fedora.
  • Some participants recommend Ubuntu as a user-friendly option for newcomers to Linux.
  • Others share their experiences with Fedora and Ubuntu, suggesting that Ubuntu may be easier to use.
  • There are discussions about the process of wiping the hard drive and the implications of formatting after installing Linux.
  • One participant mentions using VMware to run Linux without partitioning the drive, indicating a preference for virtual machines over dual-boot setups.
  • Questions arise about the compatibility of different Linux distributions, with some participants advocating for Mandrake (now Mandriva) due to its graphical interface and ease of use for beginners.
  • Clarifications are made regarding the different versions of Mandriva available for download, with specific recommendations based on the participant's hardware.
  • Concerns are raised about the bootloader options during installation, with advice given based on whether Windows is also installed.
  • Participants discuss the challenges of downloading and burning Linux images, with varying experiences shared regarding software like Nero.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the recommendation of Ubuntu for new users, but there are competing views regarding the best distribution for individual needs, such as Mandrake and Fedora. The discussion remains unresolved on the best approach to uninstall Windows and the specifics of installation processes.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions about the implications of formatting drives post-installation and the specific requirements for different Linux distributions based on hardware specifications.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals considering a switch from Windows to Linux, particularly those with older hardware or limited experience with Linux installations.

  • #31
I don't see how you can justify the $200 price tag for Windows XP professional.
 
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  • #32
CharlesP said:
Nero 6 is $79. I can't justify the price.

I have Nero 5 and I burn linux disc all the time. It's under "File" and the "Burn Image".

Getting Nero 6 wouldn'r be a total waste though because I believe you can get the linux version for free.

If price is truly a problem or you don't have friends with a cd-burner then ubuntu sends discs to your house free.

http://shipit.ubuntulinux.org/
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #33
Why even burn the cd if you can do a network install. All you need another computer that is running a DHCP and TFTP server.
 
  • #34
I am also planning on switching from XP to Linux mainly becaus my computer is gaining age and i just ahte windows lol. My one question is if my ipod will work with linux. Has anyone tried an ipod with linux. Also where can i get partitioning software for free and how exactly do I dual boot thanks for the help
 
  • #36
ok i downloaded the iso and burnt it to cd. Now i can't seem to install it. Whenever i try it asks for an application to open the files ANy thoughts would help.
 
  • #37
You don't install linux from within windows. Put the CD in the cdrom then reboot, go into your bios and tell it the boot from the cdrom first, then save the settings, reboot again and then you'll see the linux installer.
 
  • #38
Damn, 600MB for ubuntu, my computer has a wimpy hard drive...
 
  • #39
Ok i have it up and running. Haven;t encountered any problems yet just trying to get it to interface with my ipod and gmail account
 
  • #40
I have Nero 5 and I burn linux disc all the time. It's under "File" and the "Burn Image".
I have 5.5.9.16. OK I see it. Now I need an image file to burn. My DSL is almost T1 if that helps. I don't understand what an image is all about anyway. Why not drag and drop, then burn?

Why even burn the cd if you can do a network install. All you need another computer that is running a DHCP and TFTP server.
Unfortunately I can't speak that language. I do have a network with one machine to be dedicated to Linux. It has an unformatted hard drive.
 
  • #41
How does Ubuntu Linux afford to ship out cd's to the masses free of charge?
 
  • #43
CharlesP said:
I have 5.5.9.16. OK I see it. Now I need an image file to burn. My DSL is almost T1 if that helps. I don't understand what an image is all about anyway. Why not drag and drop, then burn?

If you drag and drop you're just burning a file to the disc. An image means an exact copy of the disc. When you burn an image it produces the same disc. Otherwise you'd have to drag and drop the thousands of files that make up a linux distrobution. An image file are those large files that end in "iso".
 
  • #44
When I start up my computer, I see no such bio option. I actually have no options at all, XP just starts up.
 
  • #45
You need to press [DEL] or [F1] when you computer starts up. It really depends on which system you have. What brand/model computer do you have?
 
  • #46
It's a Dell. I've pressed delete, F1-F12, tab and just about every other key. Nothing works. Right when I start it up, I see the Dell screen then in about one second the windows loading screen pops up. I've tried rebooting my computer about eight times testing out buttoms. Nothing works.
 
  • #47
What model dell?
 
  • #48
Okay, I got to the boot menu. I have to hit F12 in like a window of a fraction of second. I have the iso file on a CD and then I went down and selected CD-rom boot. But then it just goes and starts windows like normal.
 
  • #49
Did you burn the iso file onto the cd or did you burn the image provided by the iso file onto the cd? Go into windows and make sure you actually have folders and files and not just one .iso file on the cd. Also, If possible remove the hard drive from the boot sequence and have the CDROM occupy all the slots.
 
  • #50
Did you burn the iso file onto the cd or did you burn the image provided by the iso file onto the cd?

I burnt the iso, I didn't know images had anything to do with this.

Go into windows and make sure you actually have folders and files and not just one .iso file on the cd.

What other files and folders? I downloaded Ubuntu from one of the links here and it just gave me the iso.
 
  • #51
you burn the ISO in Nero, just choose record>burn image
 
  • #52
I don't have Nero.
 
  • #53
What do you use to burn your CDs?
 
  • #54
Sonic Record Now. Something like that, it came with my computer.
 
  • #55
Yeah, well go to help in the application and look how to burn an ISO image. It does support burning images.
 
  • #56
  • #57
He already has a cd burning app that can burn images. Why download another program.
 

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