Help with Ubuntu Linux

alvino · 03-24-2006, 01:11 AM

I'm thinking of using Linux (Ownage is giving me the CD for Ubuntu, thanks) for my old computer and I had some questions for those who have used or has had experience with Ubuntu or similar programs.

When you install it, do you have to reformat? Or can you still install it with an existing OS on the hard drive (Windows XP)?

Also, how do you do a dual-boot?

I'm such a newbie when it comes to software...

BigLu · 03-24-2006, 01:12 AM

You can install more than one os on the drive, you're just gonna have to format another partition, unless you used the entire disk as a partition when you installed windows.

alvino · 03-24-2006, 01:14 AM

ARGHHH!!! I knew using the whole thing as a partition was a bad idea...

Oh well, I guess I'll use my old computer, since I was also planning to install it on my current computer.

BigLu · 03-24-2006, 01:21 AM

Unless there's some way to alter the size of a partition, I think you're out of luck, maybe partition magic can do that or something, I don't really know enough about it.

badninja3 · 03-24-2006, 01:54 AM

or u can *get* some type of live partitioning software like 'partition magic' or something like that.

alvino · 03-24-2006, 02:02 AM

I would try Partition Magic, but stupid Symantec charges $70 for it.

Bahawolf · 03-24-2006, 03:14 AM

During the installation of Ubuntu, it allows you to resize the current partition, and add a new one.

Logan · 03-24-2006, 04:55 AM

might want to try a live cd as a test first to see if you like it. linuxcd.org also has every distro for about $2. they ship fast too.(newegg.com status)

Will · 03-24-2006, 03:32 PM

yea, gonna have to do a partition... if you do want to reformat then i believe (correct me if im wrong) during the installation of ubuntu you can partition the harddrive.

Also a HD isnt too expensive if you really wanna have ubuntu. GL

Quote:

Originally Posted by Logan

might want to try a live cd as a test first to see if you like it. linuxcd.org also has every distro for about $2. they ship fast too.(newegg.com status)

FYI you can get ubuntu live/installation cds sent to you for free from Ubuntu.com

Flipper · 03-24-2006, 03:36 PM

Very easy to install and dual boot. If you need help post installation, ask me..I can help alot with the package manager/automatix...etc.
I have added you to my AIM list.

^Mike^ · 03-24-2006, 03:37 PM

If you want to keep Windows then you need to create seperate partitons for linux, which is what i have. You can use an app. like GParted to do this, just shrink your windows partiton and make some free space on the hard drive the ubuntu installer can use. If you need any help you can PM, or IM me.

Flipper · 03-24-2006, 03:38 PM

GParted is when you are already in Ubuntu is it not?

^Mike^ · 03-24-2006, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flipper

GParted is when you are already in Ubuntu is it not?

It is included in the full install version of Ubuntu, but you can also download it from the internet, and boot from the cd it is on.

alvino · 03-25-2006, 01:50 AM

Thanks for the replies guys. I'm deciding to just install Ubuntu on my old computer and just reformat it's hard drive. Does Ubuntu have any hardware specifications like Windows does?

Logan · 03-25-2006, 05:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Will

FYI you can get ubuntu live/installation cds sent to you for free from Ubuntu.com

free but their shipping is terrible, took me about a month to get mine. linuxcd.org will get you it in about a week. but w/e free is free, shipping may be worth it to you.

also i ordered 1 live/install set and they sent me 5. guess i can give them to my friends.....

^Mike^ · 03-25-2006, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alvino

Thanks for the replies guys. I'm deciding to just install Ubuntu on my old computer and just reformat it's hard drive. Does Ubuntu have any hardware specifications like Windows does?

No, not really, it will run on almost anything really.

Flipper · 03-25-2006, 01:07 PM

Yeah...it is very compatible with hardware. Yet another reason you should choose it over Windows

Although I prefer Windows XP over any linux distro.

alvino · 03-25-2006, 01:23 PM

Haha, I'm only concerned because my old computer is running on a Intel Pentium II, 64mb of RAM, nVIDIA TNT2-Riva, Samsung 10gb and Maxtor 2gb hard drive, and some crap motherboard. :P I'm sure Windows XP wouldn't even run in that!

But either way, that's good.

here_is_gone · 03-25-2006, 06:36 PM

I need a lot of help with partitions. I'm installing Ubuntu on an old Compaq, and overwriting Windows; I'm at the partition manager, and I have:

IDE1 master (hda) - 12.8 GB QUANTUM BIGFOOT TS12.7A
LVM VG Ubuntu, LV root - 12.2 GB Unknown
LVM VG Ubuntu, LV swap_1 - 390.1 MB Unknown

I really have no clue what to do here. If someone can help me, please IM me on AIM, my screen name is thatcoolrushguy

alvino · 03-25-2006, 08:33 PM

Yeah, thanks for hijacking the thread...meh, whatever.