Linux Quick Install Lesson
Have you ever wanted to try Linux, but were unsure or intimidated by the idea of installing a new operating system? This article will give you an easy step by step description of how to do it. For our example we will install Ubuntu (a very easy to use version of linux) on a laptop already running Windows Vista, but this guide can be used for a variety of operating systems and computers.
First,
head over to http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu/download.
If you don't have a good internet connection, you may alternatively want to purchase a cd from one of the distributors listed at http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu/purchase. If you choose to download the file, you will need one blank CD-R and a cd drive that can burn cds (which is standard, so you most likely have this).
On the download page, click Start Download halfway down the page. You probably won't need to worry about the above options.
Once you have downloaded the file (ubuntu-7.10-desktop-i386.iso), open your CD Burning program and burn the iso file to the CD.
Once that has completed, turn off your computer with the CD in the drive. When you turn it back on, your computer should automatically boot Ubuntu from the CD.
When it finishes loading (it may take a few minutes, click on the Install icon on the desktop. From here, follow the on screen instructions.
The fourth screen will ask you how you want to partition your disk. If you imagine your hard disk as a pie, partitioning can be thought of as slicing up the pie into different pieces. If you select "Guided - use entire disk" here, your entire hard drive will be one piece for Ubuntu to use. Select that if you want to get rid of your old operating system completely. If you have files on your computer you want to save, make sure you have a backup copy!
If you want to install Ubuntu so you can use both it and your old operating system--it is not too difficult. We will try to post the instructions shortly.
From there continue following the on-screen instructions. Hit install after reviewing the settings and you'll be good to go!