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[bdawg923 (Max)]

I decided to install Linux on my school laptop which has Windows XP installed on it. I want to be able to boot either Windows or Linux, so I don't want to overwrite XP. The hard drive is 40GB total and has about 20GB remaining. Could someone guide me through this? What software do I need (besides Ubuntu) to dual-boot? I know I need to setup a partition on which to install Ubuntu so will I need separate software to do this or does Ubuntu's install cover that? Is there a trusted website where I can find an Ubuntu torrent (newest version) other than the pirate bay? I don't trust it enough to download something that ends up being a virus.

Secondly, is there a way to backup an installed program on my machine in case something goes wrong? I have Microsoft Visual C++ which one of my teacher's friends installed on my class's laptops 3 years ago, and it wasn't done through the school, so I really can't risk losing the software. I don't know if I have a key for it (I have a Product ID in the About link but that may or may not be the serial #) so I can't just reinstall if something goes wrong.

After I do install Ubuntu, how's the setup? I guess I'll need to setup wireless internet again and that's basically it? What programs, if any, come pre-installed? How is the process of installing programs in general (is it double-click and go through a wizard like Windows or command line stuff)? What are some common commands I should learn? Anything else that I should know or any links to guides, tutorials or anything would be greatly appreciated too.

[spock1982 (Ernie)]

I would suggest that you get the latest Ubuntu directly from their website. 8.04 contains a program called Wubi that you can use to install Ubuntu from within Windows. It sets up a true dual boot but it is easy to reverse if you are unhappy with it. After the initial setup I always install Automatix. This installs Wine, Google Earth, lots of audio and video codecs that you need to play DVD's and mp3's. That should get you the basics that you need because Ubuntu comes with word processing etc... That is just my suggestion and I am sure others have additional suggestions that are useful as well.

[Ryan Wagner]

Is there a trusted website where I can find an Ubuntu torrent (newest version) other than the pirate bay? I don't trust it enough to download something that ends up being a virus.

You can just download it from here:
http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu/download
No need for a torrent.

I want to be able to boot either Windows or Linux, so I don't want to overwrite XP. The hard drive is 40GB total and has about 20GB remaining. Could someone guide me through this? What software do I need (besides Ubuntu) to dual-boot? I know I need to setup a partition on which to install Ubuntu so will I need separate software to do this or does Ubuntu's install cover that?

I would recommend using Wubi as Ernie recommended so that you don't have to worry about partitions. You'll get the full experience of Ubuntu, and it can be uninstalled later on without any hassle should you decide to go that route.

Secondly, is there a way to backup an installed program on my machine in case something goes wrong? I have Microsoft Visual C++ which one of my teacher's friends installed on my class's laptops 3 years ago, and it wasn't done through the school, so I really can't risk losing the software.

Unfortunately backing up an app like that is pretty much not possible since there are files and registry keys all over the place.

After I do install Ubuntu, how's the setup? I guess I'll need to setup wireless internet again and that's basically it? What programs, if any, come pre-installed? How is the process of installing programs in general (is it double-click and go through a wizard like Windows or command line stuff)? What are some common commands I should learn? Anything else that I should know or any links to guides, tutorials or anything would be greatly appreciated too.

The number of things that you'll need to setup will be pretty minimal. The one thing you'll want to do is make sure all of your devices work, such as your printer or webcam. I've had some problems with Ubuntu recognizing my wireless cards in the past, but I think the support is a lot better now.

Good luck!

[bdawg923 (Max)]

The number of things that you'll need to setup will be pretty minimal. The one thing you'll want to do is make sure all of your devices work, such as your printer or webcam. I've had some problems with Ubuntu recognizing my wireless cards in the past, but I think the support is a lot better now.

It's a Centrino laptop so there's no wireless card, because it's built in. And there aren't any devices connected to it.

So basically all I do is download 8.04, burn the ISO to a DVD (I'm assuming it's an ISO) insert into PC and it will run? Then this Wubi program which is part of 8.04 will make it dual-boot without partitions. How will dual-booting work? When I turn on my laptop, will I get an option of which OS to choose or do I have to press F8 or something like that? And after I install, and am ready to install Automatix, how will that install work? Double-click and it runs like Windows or do I need to use the command line?

[Richard]

The number of things that you'll need to setup will be pretty minimal. The one thing you'll want to do is make sure all of your devices work, such as your printer or webcam. I've had some problems with Ubuntu recognizing my wireless cards in the past, but I think the support is a lot better now.

It's a Centrino laptop so there's no wireless card, because it's built in. And there aren't any devices connected to it.

So basically all I do is download 8.04, burn the ISO to a DVD (I'm assuming it's an ISO) insert into PC and it will run? Then this Wubi program which is part of 8.04 will make it dual-boot without partitions. How will dual-booting work? When I turn on my laptop, will I get an option of which OS to choose or do I have to press F8 or something like that? And after I install, and am ready to install Automatix, how will that install work? Double-click and it runs like Windows or do I need to use the command line?

If go the Wubi way you need to be in Windows for that to work (It will auto load when disc is loaded in windows)
Automatix is discontinued instead all need to install is "ubuntu restricted extras" its found in Add/Remove application (That meta-package will install Mp3,Flash,Java etc..)
I believe its as easy as Windows all you need to know is it can't run .exe and your fine

But i can't say much on Wubi as i like to run the live cd and test the OS from CD first then install

[bdawg923 (Max)]

The number of things that you'll need to setup will be pretty minimal. The one thing you'll want to do is make sure all of your devices work, such as your printer or webcam. I've had some problems with Ubuntu recognizing my wireless cards in the past, but I think the support is a lot better now.

It's a Centrino laptop so there's no wireless card, because it's built in. And there aren't any devices connected to it.

So basically all I do is download 8.04, burn the ISO to a DVD (I'm assuming it's an ISO) insert into PC and it will run? Then this Wubi program which is part of 8.04 will make it dual-boot without partitions. How will dual-booting work? When I turn on my laptop, will I get an option of which OS to choose or do I have to press F8 or something like that? And after I install, and am ready to install Automatix, how will that install work? Double-click and it runs like Windows or do I need to use the command line?

If go the Wubi way you need to be in Windows for that to work (It will auto load when disc is loaded in windows)
Automatix is discontinued instead all need to install is "ubuntu restricted extras" its found in Add/Remove application (That meta-package will install Mp3,Flash,Java etc..)
I believe its as easy as Windows all you need to know is it can't run .exe and your fine

But i can't say much on Wubi as i like to run the live cd and test the OS from CD first then install

I tried Ubuntu from a live CD (an older version) and enjoyed it. This was like 2-3 months ago. I figure why not install it; maybe I'll like it a lot more than Windows.

[Richard]

The number of things that you'll need to setup will be pretty minimal. The one thing you'll want to do is make sure all of your devices work, such as your printer or webcam. I've had some problems with Ubuntu recognizing my wireless cards in the past, but I think the support is a lot better now.

It's a Centrino laptop so there's no wireless card, because it's built in. And there aren't any devices connected to it.

So basically all I do is download 8.04, burn the ISO to a DVD (I'm assuming it's an ISO) insert into PC and it will run? Then this Wubi program which is part of 8.04 will make it dual-boot without partitions. How will dual-booting work? When I turn on my laptop, will I get an option of which OS to choose or do I have to press F8 or something like that? And after I install, and am ready to install Automatix, how will that install work? Double-click and it runs like Windows or do I need to use the command line?

If go the Wubi way you need to be in Windows for that to work (It will auto load when disc is loaded in windows)
Automatix is discontinued instead all need to install is "ubuntu restricted extras" its found in Add/Remove application (That meta-package will install Mp3,Flash,Java etc..)
I believe its as easy as Windows all you need to know is it can't run .exe and your fine

But i can't say much on Wubi as i like to run the live cd and test the OS from CD first then install

I tried Ubuntu from a live CD (an older version) and enjoyed it. This was like 2-3 months ago. I figure why not install it; maybe I'll like it a lot more than Windows.

Well i believe you will like 8.04 (Been testing it in a VM since alpha 5 it run well using only 92mb RAM - Full GNOME desktop) but if you have problems with 8.04 waiting for 8.04.1 (Early July) might fix some problems people have been having

[Max]

(it's Max)

I installed Ubuntu on my laptop, and it went well, but now I can't connect to my home network. I typed in the key just like on my other devices (which all connect) and Ubuntu tries to connect, and after about 30 seconds, it just shows me the screen which lets me input my key again. I tried like 5 times and same thing happens each time. Even the Windows XP installation, on the same laptop, connects to the network. Does anyone know what the problem could be?

[Ryan Wagner]

I installed Ubuntu on my laptop, and it went well, but now I can't connect to my home network. I typed in the key just like on my other devices (which all connect) and Ubuntu tries to connect, and after about 30 seconds, it just shows me the screen which lets me input my key again. I tried like 5 times and same thing happens each time. Even the Windows XP installation, on the same laptop, connects to the network. Does anyone know what the problem could be?

What kind of security are you using on your wireless network? If I recall I had problems connecting to my router when using WPA/WPA2. Maybe try turning the wireless security off first, and see how that goes.

[Richard]

I have WPA-PSK on my router and it works out of box no tweaks so it seems a driver issue

[Max]

I have WEP on my router. It detected a bunch of other networks and a few didn't have encryption on them so I tried to connect to one, and it worked, but I couldn't get websites to load in Firefox. I guess that it was taking a while and timing out since the signal was weak. But my network's signal is almost 90% so I don't know why it isn't connecting, even though the key is right.

[Richard]

I have WEP on my router. It detected a bunch of other networks and a few didn't have encryption on them so I tried to connect to one, and it worked, but I couldn't get websites to load in Firefox. I guess that it was taking a while and timing out since the signal was weak. But my network's signal is almost 90% so I don't know why it isn't connecting, even though the key is right.

Have you put in your WEP key first then your ubuntu password and it should work as windows

[bdawg923 (Max)]

First, I log into Ubuntu with the username and password I created. I then click the networking icon in the top right corner and it shows me a list of available networks. I click mine and a screen comes up that has 3 options: 1 drop-down menu with the type of key (WEP, WPA, etc), 1 field for the key itself and one more drop-down with the type of authentication (open, shared). So I choose 128-bit WEP key, type the key in, and choose the authentication type (I know it's correct) and click Connect. It tries to connect for like 35-40 seconds and then the same screen comes up with the fields as blank. Rinse and repeat.

[Ryan Wagner]

Have you tried disabling the security on your router to see if it would even work once it connected? Do you know whether your router is setup with a 64-bit key or 128-bit key?

[bdawg923 (Max)]

I haven't tried disabling my security but I assume it would work. Disabling my security just to use Linux isn't an option for me though so I didn't bother trying. Even if it does work, I'm not going to disable my router security each time. And I'm using a 128-bit key which I selected as the option on that wireless screen that Ubuntu shows me.