Ubuntu

application to see wether a computer can run Ubuntu

Asked by Peter

I am running windows vista and am trying desperatly to get Ubuntu. if I do make this leap and it crashes my computer can I revery back to Vista? and is so how? and is there an application to test my drivers and parts to determine if it will affect as my biggest fear is if it won't display anything when turning on my computer.

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Andy Ferguson
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ealthuis (ealthuis) said : 		#1

To quell your fears, go to Ubuntu.com, and read all of the documentation about installing and/or running Ubuntu Linux current version 8.10. Then order yourself a new cd from ubuntu, and wait about 4 to 6 weeks for that to arrive.

Then you can boot that disk and run linux from the CD and find out what it is all about.

I have currently two computers converted from Windows XP, they run Linux only, Linux has an excellent firewall built in, it runs Firefox webrowser, and generally is robust and not as prone to attacks as that other operating system. The computers are through a router connected to the Internet and each other.

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Best Andy Ferguson (teknostatik) said : 		#2

The LiveCD is in itself a tool that will do what you require. If the CD will boot and you can run Ubuntu from it, then you should get the same level of functionality (with a lot more speed) from an full installation.

Regards,

Andy

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Peter (peter192) said : 		#3

Thanks Andy Ferguson, that solved my question.

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Tom (tom6) said : 		#4

The default for booting up off an Ubuntu Cd is that it doesn't install, rather it just brings you to a "Live" desktop without the need to install anything. It's a lot slower than a proper install to your hard-drive but apart from 1 icon looks exactly the same as the normal install - so it gives a good idea of what it's like and whether it will work well.
http://www.ubuntulinux.org/getubuntu/download
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/BootFromCD

Also most of us started with a dual-boot and for me it was ages before i dared to boot into Ubuntu rather than Windows on a regular basis. I have switched the default over to default into Ubuntu nowadays but still have the option of going back into Windows anytime i choose :)
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/WindowsDualBoot
This type of dual-boot combines the strengths of both Operating Systems and makes your system very robust, flexible and more enjoyable than either OS alone. Some games and things work slightly better in Windows although most Windows games can be run under Wine
http://winehq.org/about/
and as far as other apps go i've always been able to find a better native linux app in the standard package manager anyway.

It's always exciting when someone new wants to try it out :)
Please ask us if you do have any trouble with it. For the most part Ubuntu "just works" in a "plug & play" way really successfully but it will take you a few weeks to learn as much about linux as you already know about Windows - we are here to help. Actually this is another good reason to go with a proper dual-boot (don't go with the option to install inside Windows pleeease lol) as it means you can keep popping back into Windows to do things quickly until you're more used to using Ubuntu.

Thanks for listening to my soap-box moment
Welcome top linux-land, especially the Ubuntu corner :)
Regards from
Tom :)