alternative operating system? (ubuntu)

joop123

I have an 18month old dell inspiron 1545, unfortunatly the hard drive has died. i am looking to get a new one tomorrow (apparently maplins are reducing their prices on hard drives tommorow). My problem is that becausethe operating system came pre loaded when i got the laptop, i dont have a copy of windows 7. a friend suggested that i read the review of Ubuntu in this weeks web user magazine, they seem to like it and so i am tempted to give it a try. (may well be back on here for some advice about about how to install it)

has anyone got any experience of it? and if i try it and dont like it is it easy to wipe a hard drive and dip my hand into my pocket and install a copy of windows?

thanks

Paddy

-TangleFoot-

joop123 wrote: »

if i try it and dont like it is it easy to wipe a hard drive and dip my hand into my pocket and install a copy of windows?

Some might say it's easier to install Windows than it is to pay for it.

floopnoodle

I prefer Linux Mint which is a lot like Ubuntu.

Linux used to be a techie focussed operating system where you needed to remember command line instructions to get anything done. Now the majority can be done with point and click the same as windows and is a lot more accessible for 'everyday' people.

If if doesn't work out for you just buy windows, insert the disk and install that instead.

joop123

thanks will have a look at linux mint as well

debitcardmayhem

joop123 wrote: »

I have an 18month old dell inspiron 1545, unfortunatly the hard drive has died. i am looking to get a new one tomorrow (apparently maplins are reducing their prices on hard drives tommorow). My problem is that becausethe operating system came pre loaded when i got the laptop, i dont have a copy of windows 7. a friend suggested that i read the review of Ubuntu in this weeks web user magazine, they seem to like it and so i am tempted to give it a try. (may well be back on here for some advice about about how to install it)

has anyone got any experience of it? and if i try it and dont like it is it easy to wipe a hard drive and dip my hand into my pocket and install a copy of windows?

thanks

Paddy

First check that the warranty is compatible with SOGA , second check the HDD with a Linux Live CD see if it is totally fubarred.
HDDs should not die within 18mths, what makes you think it has died?? Have you dropped the 1545 with it switched on ? etc etc

23n1th

Point to note about Ubuntu. Its nothing like as easy as is used to be to get used to thanks to Unity and HUD. That said once you are used to it its rather good.

I do prefer Linux Mint though for new users.

TakeThis

If your laptop came supplied with Windows 7, then you already have a valid licence for it.

You can restore everything back to the way it was. You just need your Service Tag in order to retrieve the Drivers and Applications.

It takes more time, but it is easily done.

Windows 7 Home Premium x64 SP1 U is the disc image that you need.
Download and save the image to a working PC. You will need a blank DVD disc.

Once the download is complete....

Download and install ImgBurn(No need to install the Google Toolbar. Remove the relevant tick). Burn the Image to Disc. Use this guide(skip step 2b) to burning the image to disc.

Now you have your disc, you will need to install it to the new HDD.

To install Windows 7 using the Custom option and formatting the hard disk

To format your hard disk during Windows 7 installation, you'll need to start, or boot, your computer using the Windows 7 installation disc or USB flash drive.


Turn on your computer so that Windows starts normally, insert the Windows 7 installation disc or USB flash drive, and then shut down your computer.


Restart your computer.


Press any key when prompted, and then follow the instructions that appear.


On the Install Windows page, enter your language and other preferences, and then click Next.

If the Install Windows page doesn't appear, and you're not asked to press any key, you might need to change some system settings. To learn how to do this, see Start your computer from a Windows 7 installation disc or USB flash drive.


On the Please read the license terms page, if you accept the license terms, click I accept the license terms, and then click Next.


On the Which type of installation do you want? page, click Custom.


On the Where do you want to install Windows? page, click Drive options (advanced).


Click the partition that you want to change, click the formatting option you want to perform, and then follow the instructions.


When you've finished formatting, click Next.


Follow the instructions to finish installing Windows 7, which include naming your computer and setting up an initial user account.

Skip entering the Product Key and complete the installation.

Refer to me at this stage.

You also have the option to install Windows 7 Home Premium x86 SP1 U[/(The 32 bit version of Windows 7 HP) instead.

mttylad

Unless there is some specific Windows only software that the OP needs then using Linux is faster.

TakeThis

mttylad wrote: »

Unless there is some specific Windows only software that the OP needs then using Linux is faster.

What has faster to do with it? Has the OP expressed a need for haste?

The OP was clearly not aware that he could restore Windows 7 back to his laptop at no extra cost, as they are in possession of a valid Windows licence.
If they also want Ubuntu they can dual boot with it after the installation of Windows.

joop123

Thanks for the replies. No I wasn't aware that I could reinstall windows at no extra charge, I was only looking at Ubuntu to keep the cost down, will probably reinstall windows and maybe try the others at a later date. It was my local computer repair shop that told me the hard drive had failed, though as they were going to charge me £120 to replace it, I went home, googled it and thought I would have a try at replacing it myself.

Thanks takethis will follow your guide, will let you know how I get on and would be very grateful for any further advice.

Thanks again

Paddy

Kernel_Sanders

joop123 wrote: »

thanks will have a look at linux mint as well

Good luck if trying to download it from the official site.
http://www.linuxmint.com/edition.php?id=103