I have my new laptop (with windows vista home premium) and I want to try to run a version of Linux. If I run Linux what happens to my old OS? Is there any specific requirements for having myself running Linux? Do I need any special keys on my comp? I have always wanted to run Linux. Sorry if this is a noobish question.
Page for laptop - http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8404194&type=product&id=1180743304575
2007-09-02 12:20:50 · 2 answers · asked by Anonymous in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Laptops & Notebooks
Windows Vista is an operating system.
Linux is an operating system.
You can use a CD with Linux on it and boot from the CD to test it out.
Or you can reformat your hard drive and replace Windows Vista with Linux so that it always comes up with Linux and only runs Linux
Or you can do something called a "dual boot" where the machine stops on bootup and asks you which one you want to run. Personally I wouldnt recommend that unless you have already decided that you really want and need to have both of them since it can be a bit of a headache.
SubNote: It takes FAR less computer to run linux than it does to run windows. If "new laptop" means there is an old computer in the closet then I would recommend you turn THAT one into linux so you can try it out. Many are mazed to find out that their old junker runs linux better than their new computer runs windows.
2007-09-03 09:48:57 · answer #1 · answered by Gandalf Parker 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get yourself a Linux Live. These run from CD or USB.
You can then boot your PC with the CD in the drive.
Play with it.
Remove CD re-boot and your back on Windows. Nothing installed.
http://www.frozentech.com/content/livecd.php
2007-09-02 12:26:43 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋