is it easy to install linux on a PC?

Question

- where could I find "dummy proff" instructions on how to do this?
- is it easy (or advisable) to install this on a PC that already has Windows XP Home?

Answer 1

NO. I tried 3 times and couldnt get it to work three times, and worst of it is I could not even open the installer. If you are new to Linux dont bother, it is just a headache for now unless you buy their CDs. Stick to XP, installing new OS on the same system can screw it up. Just try a live CD before u make any hasty decisions.

Answer 2

Believe it or not, I just installed Linux on my computer about an hour ago and I'm using it to respond to your question. Yes, it was easy. I am also running XP Pro as a dual boot. I used Ubuntu Linux and it walked me through the steps with zero problems.

You can get a free "live CD" from Ubuntu that will let you practice with the system without actually installing anything on your hard drive. When you're finished for the day, you can simply remove the CD. The same CD can be used if you later want to permanently install Ubuntu on your hard drive.

One caution: if you download an Ubuntu CD, you will be downloading an .iso file of about 650MB. To actually run it, you will have to convert the .iso file into an installation CD. And to do that, you'll need to use a CD-burning application like NERO. But since Linux is freeware, they recommend another freeware program called:

http://isorecorder.alexfeinman.com/

Download this free .iso burning program and you'll be able to create your install CD.

To burn your image, follow these steps:

1. Insert a blank CD.
2. Locate the .iso file you downloaded, right-click, and select "Copy Image to CD".
3. Click "Next" and the burning process begins.
4. When completed, click "Finish" to exit ISO Recorder.

If this is too much trouble, you can go to:

https://shipit.ubuntu.com/

A simple registation with mailing address and they'll send you a "live CD" free of charge.

Hope this helps.

Answer 3

Start by downloading and burning an Ubuntu Live CD. You can play with Linux by booting from the CD without installing it -- gives you the feel of it risk-free! Ubuntu, in my opinion, is the easiest way to get started with Linux, but is still a full-fledged Linux distribution. I run it on my Linux PC (but as a systems adminstrator I also run plenty of other server and desktop Linux distributions). I definitely like Ubuntu as a polished distribution that's very user-friendly. http://www.ubuntu.com/

When you are ready to install, an "Install" icon is ready for you on the Linux desktop.

If you already have Windows on your system, you'll need to free up space on the hard drive for Linux. The installer has tools to help you do this. Extensive help is also available here: http://help.ubuntu.org/

Download the desktop version here:
http://www.ubuntu.com/download

Answer 4

It depends on which llinux you want to install there are hundreds of version! I have installed ubuntu before and its pretty simple, removing it is a whole different story though.

It even provides u with a menu so u can choose if you want to boot the pc into windows or linux when it starts up.

The key thing is back up all your important data before doing anything.

Answer 5

installing linux is easy if you know what partition do you need to get started.
i have used linux red hat.

its pretty simple..

you just need 3 partition for installation

1. Root
2. Swap
3. Data

just insert cd and follow the instruction.

when you come to partition section, you will have 3 options to create the partition
you can use expert option if you already have the XP on the pc or else you can start auto creation.

before it starts copying the file, you will have to select the different component.

your installation process is dependant on the number of component you selected.


this is simple...but when i did i made sure that i have all my data backed up...in case anything happens ...you wont lose the data.

Answer 6

Try Puppy Linux it is dummy proof. Download it for free