Ubuntu

How do I "test Ubuntu without changing anything on my computer"?

Asked by Vince F.

Is this limited to the tour on the CD, or can I install something to test out the GUI or other Ubuntu features without installing the full OS? I know about the programs on the CD, but I want to try a hands-on experience with Ubuntu before committing to a new OS.

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Luca Falavigna (dktrkranz) said : 		#1

You can install almost every software while in LiveCD mode. The only limit is given by RAM quantity shipped with your computer: since LiveCD hard disk is placed on system memory, if you have large amounts of RAM you won't have too many troubles installing additional software or playing a bit with it.
If you want to test Ubuntu deeply, you can try to install virtual machine environment such as VMware.

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Vince F. (vmferguson) said : 		#2

I knew about the software that came with the CD. Actually I already use gimp, open office 2, firefox, and thunderbird on my windows comp.

I wanted to know if I could test the GUI or any of the core OS features without VMware. I don't want to make any major changes to this computer because it's used by the rest of my family.

So can I run any sort of demo/test version of Ubuntu without messing with any system files?

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Best jz (jz+) said : 		#3

If you download and burn the LiveCD and put it in your computer and restart it will start up without installing anything when you select "Start/Install" once it has booted into the OS you have the option of doing everything that you can do with it installed and it will not modify any files on your hard disk...

From there you have an icon on the desktop that allows you to install it permanently if you would like... Or you can just shutdown, remove the CD and reboot back into your old OS.

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Luca Falavigna (dktrkranz) said : 		#4

You can try it everything you like as a standard distribution does, as long as you have enough RAM space to use as its hard disk. Note that everytime you quit your LiveCD session, your customizations will be lost for good.

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Vince F. (vmferguson) said : 		#5

User confirmed that the request is solved.

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Vince F. (vmferguson) said : 		#6

Ok great, I didn't know you had to restart the computer to boot the LiveCD. I'll do that soon and check Ubuntu out.
Thanks for the help, everyone!