first installation : supplementary question

you can technically install ubuntu from windows via something called WUBI http://wubi.sourceforge.net/ but its not supported by ubuntu or canonical.
otherwise you can just get a normal ubuntu cd, enter your bios (usually quite simple and will say the key you have to press when the computer starts, usually the delete button or F1-F8) and tell it that the first boot device is your cdrom. it sounds a lot harder than it is :)

First off all, you don't have to buy a ubuntu cd.
They are downloadable for free on this adress: http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu/download
Or you can order a CD for FREE on this adress: https://shipit.ubuntu.com/login You only need to make a acount.

For the installation, you need to insert the cd in the cd-drive and normaly it wil boot automatically from the cd.
If you want to use ubuntu besides your existing windows, follow this documentation: https://help.ubuntu.com/community/WindowsDualBoot

if you want to replace windows with ubuntu (a lot easier ;) ), you just have to follow this documentationpage: https://help.ubuntu.com/community/GraphicalInstall

Thanks for your advice. I may try WUBI.
I have wanted to try linux for a couple of years, but the issue has
always been the same.

Lots of advice out there on 'loading and configuring' Linux, but none
on the essential first step of accessing, working in and exiting Bios.
My Dell manual just says you enter by pressing Del, but not much
beyond that.
If I screw it up and cant recover I have screwed up the computer and
reluctant to risk that.

Anyway, thanks

>----Original Message----
>From: <email address hidden>
>Date: 04/01/2008 16:32
>To: <email address hidden>
>Subj: Re: [Question #21414]: first installation : supplementary
question
>
>Your question #21414 on Ubuntu changed:
>https://answers.edge.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+question/21414
>
> Status: Open => Answered
>
>Gord Allott proposed the following answer:
>you can technically install ubuntu from windows via something called
WUBI http://wubi.sourceforge.net/ but its not supported by ubuntu or
canonical.
>otherwise you can just get a normal ubuntu cd, enter your bios
(usually quite simple and will say the key you have to press when the
computer starts, usually the delete button or F1-F8) and tell it that
the first boot device is your cdrom. it sounds a lot harder than it is
:)
>
>--
>If this answers your question, please go to the following page to let
us
>know that it is solved:
>https://answers.edge.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+question/21414/+confirm?
answer_id=0
>
>If you still need help, you can reply to this email or go to the
>following page to enter your feedback:
>https://answers.edge.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+question/21414
>
>You received this question notification because you are a direct
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>

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andy,

Have you ever put a bootable linux cd in your pc at startup? If no, try it! you can't do anything wrong with it. There is many chance that you don't have to adjust your bios settings.

If tried it already, and you know your pc won't boot bootable cd's. then you need to adjust your bios settings. The setting you have to search for in you bios is 'primary bootdevice' or something like that and set the value to 'cdrom'. and search for 'second bootdevice' and set value 'hdd'.

please ask more questions if needed

hans

a typical bios:
http://www.thetechrepository.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=489&stc=1&d=1178369431

you enter the bios and go to advanced settings, then you get the screen as posted in the link above. in the middle you see 'primary boot device'. you have to adjust it by pressing enter en using the arrows (i think) to 'cdrom'. you also have to adjust you 'secundary boot device' to 'hdd' or 'hard disk'