Which Linux OS should I transition over to from Windows?
Wednesday, June 16th, 2010 at
21:12
I have finally decided to switch from Windows to Linux. I’d say I’m an above average user on Windows, but I know little to nothing about Linux. I was just wondering if I could get some suggestions of the easiest to use Linux OS for someone transferring over, but only the free ones, I’m not looking to pay.
Tagged with: free ones • Linux
Filed under: Linux
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For the moment I do not advise migrating entirely Linux is a very different operating platform to Windows. I recommend a Dual Booting Linux with Windows to begin with so you can become accustomed to it
Installing Ubuntu as a dual-boot with Windows without partitioning
http://www.psychocats.net/ubuntu/wubi
You keep Windows as it is, Wubi only adds an extra option to boot into Ubuntu. Wubi does not require you to modify the partitions of your PC, or to use a different bootloader, and does not install special drivers. It works just like any other application.
Wubi keeps most of the files in one folder, and if you do not like it, you can simply uninstall it as any other application.
Boot in to windows insert the Ubuntu 10.04 LiveCD and you will offered the option of installing inside windows which is where the Wubi installer comes in, you will be asked how many gigabytes you wish to allocate to Ubuntu (I recommend 8gb) then you set a password for your installation then click install and thats it.
Once Ubuntu is fully installed upon starting your PC you will be given a choice of which operating system you want to use Windows or Ubuntu
Ubuntu 10.04 Download
http://www.ubuntu.com/desktop/get-ubuntu/download
Ubuntu 10.04 (Lucid Lynx) User Guide
http://ubuntuguide.org/wiki/Ubuntu:Lucid
Linux Mint 9 which is built upon Ubuntu 10.04 has a similar feature called mint4win and the directions given above for Wubi can be followed
http://duncsweb.com/2009/09/27/mint4win-a-wubi-based-installer-of-linux-mint/
Linux Mint 9 Download
http://www.linuxmint.com/edition.php?id=52
Linux Mint 9 User Guide Download pdf.
http://www.linuxmint.com/rel_isadora.php
Ubuntu 10.04 and Linux Mint 9 can also be run straight from the LiveCD without touching your Hard drive
LUg.
Either Ubuntu or Linux Mint
Probably Ubuntu, it’s the one most bundled with cheap laptop’s that don’t come with Windows.
But basically, they’re all the same once you get used to it.
Only real difference between them is the default programs installed on each.
Try out Ubuntu using wubi. You can install it from within windows and in the end you will have both linux and windows on the same computer. If you decide you don’t want to switch over after all, you can uninstall it from windows just like any other program. I believe this will be the easiest and safest first experience you can have with linux. Oh, and 100% free.
http://wubi-installer.org/
From the wubi website:
"Wubi is safe. You keep Windows as it is, Wubi only adds an extra option to boot into Ubuntu. Wubi does not require you to modify the partitions of your PC, or to use a different bootloader, and does not install special drivers. It works just like any other application"
Mandriva, the free edition. It should give you the choice of the Gnome or KDE desktop Environment. If you want the look and feel of Windows choose KDE. If you are a gamer, you need to set it up for dual boot with Windows. Most distributions will run as a LiveCD so you can give them a test run in memory and not affect your Windows Operating system, then you can decide which one you would like to install. Mint Linux is eaier to use for a new person to Linux, some of the files have alreay been installed in it, that you would need to install in Ubuntu itself. It is Ubuntu based, so you would get the feel of Ubuntu and then could decide to use Ubuntu instead. The suggestion about using Wubi is probably a very good idea and the safest.
1. Lindows
2. Fedora
3. CentOS
4. Mandriva
I would suggest Linux Mint 9. It’s appearance is more Windows-like than Ubuntu, and easily modified to your own liking. I have been using Mint since Mint 5, and it just keeps getting better.