Featured Freeware: Wubi
If you're looking for a safe and easy way to test out the switch from Windows to Linux, Wubi might be the program for you. Wubi's dialog interface requires users to select a mere six options to install Ubuntu, but don't expect direct help with this utility. Users are expected to have a basic understanding of Linux and booting into alternate operating systems, and you'll have to rely on the Wubi FAQ and forums for assistance.
Selecting the install drive, hard-drive space, language, username, and password is quick with pull-down selectors. The most difficult decision is choosing the environment from Ubuntu, Kbuntu, Xubuntu, and UbuntuStudio, and you should do your research before making a selection.
While this is truly a one-click install of Linux, it isn't fast. The first step downloads an almost 700MB ISO image used to install Linux. After the download, the app takes a considerable time unpacking and installing the operating system. Boot into Ubuntu, and there is another wait as the OS completes setting preferences and options. It is all without user intervention, though, and the numerous preinstalled and preconfigured apps make the switch to Linux about as painless as you can get it.
Seth peers into the deep, dark corners of software so that you don't have to. He has yet to suffer a single nightmare about OS/2. You can follow him on Twitter. 
Installing Ubuntu through Wubi will make a new installation of Ubuntu in your PC. Why strain your hard disk if you have free Live CDs of all kinds of Linus available on the net for download. I downloaded them all and tried them by burning them on CDs.
Although I am a 70% Ubuntu - 30% Windows XP user, I'd say, don't go for it if you're not adventurous.
The only concern that I have been having is that what will happen if my Windows crashes.
Anyway, all you people out there, use Wubi. Install Ubuntu.
I'd recommend downloading the latest Ubuntu ISO from "http://www.ubuntu.com/products/GetUbuntu/download" or order free a CD copy (not even shipping charges) from: "shipit.ubuntu.com".
I've installed on my laptop and have only been windows free for about 2 weeks... but it's done EVERYTHING I've needed it to do.
The install is seamless and wonderful and the ubuntu forums really do solve any problem you might encounter. While it is a leap - and there will be new things - it runs so much smoother than windows did, I feel uncluttered, and it's met all of my needs.
Oh - and I got into it because of all the wonderful open source programs GIMP, CELTX, etc... that I've been using recently. If you're into those - you'll be into Ubuntu.
I've installed on my laptop and have only been windows free for about 2 weeks... but it's done EVERYTHING I've needed it to do.
The install is seamless and wonderful and the ubuntu forums really do solve any problem you might encounter. While it is a leap - and there will be new things - it runs so much smoother than windows did, I feel uncluttered, and it's met all of my needs.
Oh - and I got into it because of all the wonderful open source programs GIMP, CELTX, etc... that I've been using recently. If you're into those - you'll be into Ubuntu.
And a square can too look like a circle if you file the corners off.
I fear thee not Angel of the Microsoft Abyss!
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"Religion is a failure of the imagination"
What does that even mean? That statement makes absolutely no sense at all. Did you actually think about this before you typed it?
I'm happy with windows XP
- by jasonhockeyguy July 3, 2008 9:33 AM PDT
- A live distribution is always a better idea. I too tried this on my laptop. It worked good for awhile, and then all of a sudden Windows would not boot anymore. Think this might be better on computers without an OS.
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