[Mike0001]

If you want to just try Linux, use a live CD.

If you want to try it a bit, install Virtual PC and allocate maybe 20Gb for it.

If you want to use it a lot, yes, dual boot! I think 10Gb is skimping considering how much HDD you have! Try maybe 50Gb?

Ubuntu isn't the stablest of distros though. openSUSE has much better tools, including YAST, which is a full config tool that even allows you to edit your config files. Plus it has both graphics mode and a version you can run from a command prompt if your system gets messed up.

[MySlowQuietLife]

ok! i want to use it alot! realy eager to learn but im a bit worried about dual bootin. im using vista business i dont want to loose antthing i have already and im not quiet sure if i can do it so i probably shouldnt but it dosent look that difficult.
if anyone using vsta has done this please stop me if im wrong
i enter the computer mangement,
i then tell my c drive to shrink volume,

is this right will it be then dual boootable if i install linux on this new partition!

i think i would prefer this to virtual pc!

[MySlowQuietLife]

Ok i have been reading that the above is correct but now im worried about installing the linux based os on this as some of the linux os do not automaticaly create a dual boot screen and as i have said i have know experience with this ubuntu 7.04 offers this but is it stable i like the look of openSUSE but does it recognize vista and create a dual boot..
AAARGH so many questions realy sorry but thanks very much for all of this help!

[MySlowQuietLife]

UPDATE!
just created a 136gb unalocated partition so i guess im on my way
this article has given me advice but i would like a second opinion if thats ok
http://apcmag.com/5046/how_to_dual_b...nstalled_first
thanks people very much!

[Cew27]

hi, you will never loose anydata by shrinking a partition as it wont let you shrink any that is in use, as for a distro try what you like, i have tried open suse and dont really like it althaugh that function where you can edit the xorg.conf files seems kool however, the new ubuntu hardy herron looks promising
like i said before if you run into any problems with ubuntu dont be afraid to ask.
infact install msn and add me ans i can help you further

[MySlowQuietLife]

cool wil install msn.
deffinatly going for ubuntu 7.10 desktop
to make an install cd is it simple?
when i go to download ubuntu do i save it or run it?
save and then with infrarecorder put it on disk or run it then put it on disk?
i was affraid to run incase it started installing (yes im paranoid)
Thanks very much

[Cew27]

i was also paranoid, download ansave the iso then all you need to do is drag and drop it onto a blank cd and boot from it on the pc it wont install anything unless you tell it to from the live cd

[MySlowQuietLife]

th edownload has got stuck i think its been at the same section for ages is that a problem shall i cancel and start again or does it do this often?

[Cew27]

cancel and start again

[MySlowQuietLife]

ill let you know how i get on
thanks very much!

[Cew27]

no problems

[MySlowQuietLife]

ok so i cant get the stupid disk to work the thing that should of been the easiest is turning out to be a big problem
Kinda annoying really saved the file on to comp then put it onto a dvd/rw and nothing i put it in the comp boot up and it dosent read the boot disk even changed my boot up to read disk first and stil nothing ~SO FRUSTRATING~ but not giving up.

[Cew27]

are you using virtual box?
also if you havent installed you may want to have a look at linux mint, its ubuntu but with all the media codecs pre-installed and it comes with amarok music player.

[Cew27]

also it may be a currupt iso, what are your system specs ?

[MySlowQuietLife]

OH MY!
I have dual boot VISTA + UBUNTU.
Thanks for all the help given it been great
Dont usally use smillies but i cant express how PLEASED i am.