Trying out Ubuntu on a Windows XP system

acc

My pc runs Window XP with just one NTFS hard drive partition. Is there a way of trying out ubuntu without risk to the XP system? Does the 'live cd' version of ubuntu or a similar linux flavour allow running the product without affecting the original XP system in any way, and are these 'live cd' versions available for download rather than having to order them for postal delivery?

I appreciate that the proper, permanent, way to use ubuntu with Windows is to create a second partition, install ubuntu on that, and have a dual-booting option, but want first to see the ubuntu/kunbuntu interfaces look and feel, and try the various applications such as Firefox2 and OpenOffice under ubuntu.

Thanks.

Dennis99

Set your PC to boot from the cd drive, reboot with the Ubuntu disc in and away you go. The live CD changes nothing on your hard drive. Don't click install on the main screen if you don't want it permanently installed. I have Kubuntu (Ubuntu with the KDE desktop) on a seperate hard drive in my PC and have a choice when I boot (This post is from Kubuntu with Firefox2).

The only thing I've found with live cd's is (depending on your pc) they can be a little slow running.

MadCowMan

Live CD's leave your existing install intact.

You could also try and use a virtual machine ( you can get a free VMware player and image from https://www.vmware.com )

Omertron

You could download microsofts free virtual PC software and install it. This will then allow you to play with a live version of ubuntu.

The best option is the live cd though

Jelly_man

A Live CD should be enough to show you around Ubuntu. Should you choose to install it, be sure to set up a separate partition first. A second hard drive saved for Ubuntu would be easier, although it would cost more.

I've been a user of Ubuntu for about 6 months now, not had one problem with it.

Here is the Ubuntu download. It's only available in Live CD format and can be hard for people who are new to Linux to understand.

gaming_guy

Dennis99 wrote:

The only thing I've found with live cd's is (depending on your pc) they can be a little slow running.

i think you will find that it will be because its reading from the cd, the speed of the cd/dvd drive will have an effect

LardyCake

Another possibility is to download the free VMware Player http://www.vmware.com/download/player/
and a preconfigured Virtual Machine from http://www.vmware.com/vmtn/appliances/directory/cat/45
(there are loads to choose from!)

acc

Thanks for all your advice folks. A couple of other questions if I may.

Is the ubuntu-6.10-desktop-i386.iso file I got from http://www.ubuntu.com/ the correct file to burn to a cd to create the 'live cd' for trying ubuntu?

When using live CD on a PC with just one partition in NTFS format, ie without a separate Ext3 partition, where does ubuntu and the applications like Firefox and OpenOffice running under ubuntu create work and permanent files?

albertross_2

A Live CD runs in ram.

http://www.frozentech.com/content/livecd.php

Unless you are running inside a virtualPC/vmware

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/virtualpc/default.mspx

http://www.ubuntu.com/testing/dapperbeta?highlight=%28livecd%29

bat999

Hi acc
The version you have chosen is correct for most users. It is Ubuntu 'Edgy Eft' version 6.10
(6.10 = released in year 2006, 10th month - ie October)
It's the one I'm using.
There is also a 64 bit version available for use on 64 bit machines.

As albertross says, the live CD installs the operating system, software (firefox, openoffice etc) and a set of drivers in RAM.
It doesn't create any permanent files, you can't save anything to hard drive. Everything is lost when you switch off.
It's for demonstration/evaluation purposes and may run sluggishly.

But if the live CD runs it indicates that if you install it permanently you won't have any/many problems.
That's when you need to make a partition.
:cool:

fgaughan

acc wrote:

My pc runs Window XP with just one NTFS hard drive partition. Is there a way of trying out ubuntu without risk to the XP system? Does the 'live cd' version of ubuntu or a similar linux flavour allow running the product without affecting the original XP system in any way, and are these 'live cd' versions available for download rather than having to order them for postal delivery?

I appreciate that the proper, permanent, way to use ubuntu with Windows is to create a second partition, install ubuntu on that, and have a dual-booting option, but want first to see the ubuntu/kunbuntu interfaces look and feel, and try the various applications such as Firefox2 and OpenOffice under ubuntu.

Thanks.

And if you find that you want to dual boot and your worried about messing up a sytstem why not find a local Linux User Group (LUG).
http://www.lug.org.uk/lugs/index.php
Sign up to your local LUG and post on there. they will go through it with you or bring your computer and they will be happy to show you how.