Linux

Ok, I want to get linux but not uninstall my Vista. So is there a way that I can use linux and still have vista and can I run linux from just a cd and when I don’t need to use it just take out the cd?
Answer #1
yeah you can get linux live discs which run off the cd. So theres no need to format, just set the boot order to cd/dvd first then it will boot off the disc.
Answer #2
You could also do dual boot.Just install Linux in different partition,and you will able to boot both OS.
Answer #3
try the Ubuntu live disc before you try dual-booting. download the iso, burn and reboot.
Answer #4
try the Ubuntu live disc before you try dual-booting. download the iso, burn and reboot.
It won’t replace Vista right?
Answer #5
no, it will boot off the disc so almost no hdd is needed as all is located on the disc.
Answer #6
Ok thanks
Answer #7
your best choice would have to be:
Run it in a virtualized environment using VMWARE!!!
this way, no need to restart everytime, enjoy your vista (that came out wrong ) and run linux on the side…
/PS: dont get foolded, vmware is easy to condigure once you understand the principles of virtualization
Answer #8
Thanks, one more thing. WIll I be able to access my files on Vista from Linux?
Ok I just tried out ubuntu and the truth is I didn’t like it:D. Well it was confusing, I couldn’t run anything from it only files. Maybe I need to do something else? Not sure, but it did seem good but I have no idea how to use it. at every little window I get scared I’m going to uninstall Vista and install Ubuntu. Any help anyone?
Answer #9
Yep you will, you can even create a specific partition which is gonna be used by both vista/Linux.
Answer #10
It was kind of confusing to tell you the truth.
Answer #11
actually you should be careful about accessing NTFS parttions from linux…
your best bet here would be to create a FAT16/32 partition that will be common to both operating systems. you will use this one to share and transfer filles from one to another.
enjoy
Answer #12
Thanks, one more thing. WIll I be able to access my files on Vista from Linux?
Ok I just tried out ubuntu and the truth is I didn't like it:D. Well it was confusing, I couldn't run anything from it only files. Maybe I need to do something else? Not sure, but it did seem good but I have no idea how to use it. at every little window I get scared I'm going to uninstall Vista and install Ubuntu. Any help anyone?
Many windows programs can be made to run on it
Answer #13

Many windows programs can be made to run on it
please explain what you mean.
all i was saying was that sometimes Vista can get a bit somehow finicky and “messes” up it’s own filesystem when you try to access a ext3 partiiton from it, or vice versa when you try to access a ntfs partition from a linux box.
Answer #14
If your installing Linux ‘just to try it’ the best solution (already mentioned above) is to try live cd or install VMWARE. Also if you download ubuntu you can install/uninstall it inside of windows like any other program…
P.S. If you really want to use Linux install it on other partition because there is no sense in using a much stable os inside windows…
Answer #15
Well I share the computer and I don’t think everyone will be happy with the change only me really. Which is why I want to use both OSs as if I had one or the other.
Answer #16
use wubi it installs linux on your computer and its hassle free, read up on wubi-installer.org
Answer #17
I did it earlier today, but I have no idea how to access my Vista files on ubuntu
Answer #18
install wine that should work.
Answer #19
I did it earlier today, but I have no idea how to access my Vista files on ubuntu
Try looking in /mnt/hda1.
Instead of hda1(or sda1) it may be called win_c.
If you don’t find it in /mnt,then navigate to /etc/fstab.
Open the text file fstab.
You should see something like this:
/dev/hda1/mnt/win_c ntfs
user,exec,ro,noauto,nls=utf8,umask=00 0
Here you will be able to determine where the mount point has been set In the above example,it has been set to /mnt/win_c
If in your case it isn’t mounted under /mnt,then navigate to where it is mounted.
If you don’t find it where fstab says it is,it isn’t mounted.
To mount it,open a terminal,type mount /dev/hda1(pata drive) OR mount /dev/sda1(sata drive)
Answer #20
In my experience with Ubuntu, when you go to your devices (or something like that) panel, your c: drive will show up and you can then mount it and browse. If you want to dual boot, try Linux Mint. It’s based on Ubuntu but more user friendly.
Answer #21
Thanks everyone, I’ll do this and report back on it