Ubuntu

New to Ubuntu, what is my best approach?

Asked by murfguy

I am new to Ubuntu, what is my best approach? I want to create a dual-boot system with windows and here is what I have heard and what I have understood by reading: (1) I have been told by others to use Partition Magic software to create my new partitian, but I understood that Ubuntu has a partian program during the installation set-up process, which would be best and easiest? (2) Also, my windows is set-up with NTFS, but I understand ext2, ext3, or FAT32 can be used for Ubuntu; (a) which is the best file system set-up for Ubuntu? and (b) can two file systems be mixed on one hard drive despite the partitianing [I'm new to partitianing as well, as you can see.]

How should a novice like myself approach this? Which is the easier [more user friendly] software?

Thank you in advance!

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george (gk-joimail) said : 		#1

Murfguy,

Here are instructions how to install a dual boot, with pictures.

http://www.psychocats.net/ubuntu/dualboot

Have fun
George

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juancarlospaco (juancarlospaco) said : 		#2

Why you don't try Virtual Box, its a Lightweight Virtual Machine, with great integration and 3D hardware aceleration.

You can have Ubuntu and Windows in the same Screen with Virtual Box Seamless Mode, plus mouse integration.
No need to complicated partitioning, constantly reboots, etc

http://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Linux_Downloads

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Tom (tom6) said : 		#3

The Ubuntu installer does have it's own partition editor that is very easy to use. Especially with Georges link or this one
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/WindowsDualBoot

A dual-boot system is definitely the best way to try out Ubuntu. There is an option for installing Ubuntu inside Windows but that relies on Windows systems working well and usually turns into a bit of a muddle. The links George and i have given are great for creating a robust, reliable and flexible system.

Sometimes i like to prepare the hard-drive in advance of starting the install but for this i have to use another version of linux that runs "Gparted" from it's "LiveCd" (bootable Cd that doesn't try to install anything to your machine) desktop. My favourite for is a tiny distro that boots fast and is handy to have around for fixing various problems in almost any machines OS
http://distrowatch.com/table.php?distribution=wolvix

Good luck and regards from
Tom :)

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Tom (tom6) said : 		#4

If you are still having trouble with this then please post it as a new question. Only the most recent questions tend to get looked at so posting/reposting a question just before america arrives online after work/school gives the best chance of getting a good few answers.
https://answers.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+addquestion

If the problem has been resolved then please follow the link to the forum thread and mark it as Solved.

Good luck and many regards from
Tom :)

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Best Tom (tom6) said : 		#5

Oooo, sorry about my auto-message there. How have you got on so far? Is it going well? I think the Ubuntu and linux equivalents are more user frinedly and safer - do i sound biased? I feel i have become biased because its all so much easier now i've been using it for a few months

Good luck and regards from
Tom :)

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murfguy (murfguy) said : 		#6

I found your helpful hints and tutorials did just the trick. All went as smooth as silk; no problems or hitches! Thank you much!