Which Linux?

dori2o

I want to try and run Linux on my 2nd HDD.

First of all is this possible, and how would I make suer my computer boots into Linux not Vista?

Secondly what Linux should I install. I mainly use my PC for surfing the web, facebook etc, writing CD/DVD's, photoshop, basic video editing, office.

I need it to be very easy to use and quite quick. I was going to install Ubuntu but people have said it is quite complicated to understand.

Zeitgeist

Ubuntu is different from Windows but you quickly get used to it. You don't need to use the command line from Ubuntu, but people do because it's actually quicker to copy/paste a line to install an application than say go to Add/Remove Programs and search and install it. But you have the choice. If you are used to Firefox then web browsing is hardly any different, and you can take it from there. Your computer will run faster as you don't need to run anti-virus software, and you can download what you like without cost. OpenOffice will handle your office tasks and all this is included. Try the Live CD and you can see if your hardware works with it without changing your computer at all. When I tried this, it even detected the wireless card straightaway and worked with a click or two, even on Windows you would have to install drivers, so in fact that bit was easier than Windows.

Zeitgeist

If you install Linux after Vista, it will install Grub which will give you a menu which will show both operating systems and gives you the choice on which operating system to start. It will have a countdown timer so if you don't select something it will default to one of them, which will be initially Linux but you can of course change this to default to Vista, with Ubuntu as an option. It does all this for you automatically.

Doing it the other way round (install Ubuntu first then Vista) is more tricky since Vista won't set Ubuntu up automatically, as Microsoft operating systems don't realise that there are other operating systems out there. You can do it though. However, this doesn't apply to you since you have Vista on there first.

-TangleFoot-

If you'd like a guide to installing Ubuntu, this one has pictures.

Alternatively, you can download the Ubuntu Pocket Guide for free.

ChristopheB

There are loads of distros around to try. I found I had sound issues with Ubuntu on my Medion laptop so I tried Mandriva and that works really well for me.

Many of the more popular distros come on live cd. So you can just pop the CD into your computer and run it straight from there to see if it works for you. If you like it there is usually a install button on the desktop which will take you though the process of setting up a dual boot installation.

Another option is to create a virtualised installation using virtual box or vmware.

If you want a really easy Ubuntu install try Wubi.

Other good distos are Mint and PCLinux.

You didn't mention what spec of pc/laptop you have but perhaps the easiest thing to do is find one where sound and wireless work "out of the box" so you don't need to do to much additional configuration.

Finally, not exactly money saving becuase it's quite expensive but I have found the magazine Linux Format really useful and comes with a couple of the distros on DVD each month.