Is it possible to use Linux exclusively?
To find out, I need to install Linux first. I chose to use Ubuntu. My laptop has Windows XP Pro. This is how I installed Ubuntu 8.04.
Create Ubuntu CD.
- Download Ubuntu iso image.
- Use ImageBurn to burn the iso image to CD.
Prepare Windows Partition.
- Backup important files.
- Disable virtual memory.
- Disable hibernation.
- Run Windows Defragment Tool to move data to the beginning of the partition.
- Run chkdsk.
Partition the hard drive.
- Download GParted iso image.
- Use ImageBurn to burn the iso image to CD.
- Boot from GParted CD.
- Resize the Windows partition to make room for the Linux partition.
- Create Linux partition.
Install Ubuntu.
- Boot from Ubuntu CD.
- Just follow the installation instruction.
After the computer is rebooted, it will have a menu that allows you to choose which operating system you want to use.
References
[1] Creating a Dual-Boot Windows XP and Ubuntu Laptop
http://www.linuxdevcenter.com/pub/a/linux/2006/05/08/dual-boot-laptop.html
[2] Moving the Unmovable: Windows Disk Defragmentation Strategies
http://lyratechnicalsystems.com/?p=9
[3] GParted website.
http://gparted.sourceforge.net/
http://gparted.sourceforge.net/larry/resize/resizing.htm
[4] The Perfect Desktop – Ubuntu 8.0.4 LTS
http://www.howtoforge.com/the-perfect-desktop-ubuntu-8.04-lts-hardy-heron
1]Remember to backup everything on your HDD before you resize,edit,delete,format any partitions.Data loss due to these operations is permanent.
2]If you are using Vista,use Vista’s Partition Editor to make any changes to Vista’s partitions.The Linux community is rife with stories of people losing data and having non-bootable Vista installs due to the closed way in which Vista operates it’s partitions.
Comment by Easwar C.E. Hariharan — July 1, 2008 @ 11:49 pm