Ubuntu

Installation on a computer that is current with Windows

Asked by Jami Bolin

I have an old pc made by compaq that I would like to try the ubuntu os on. It is currently running the XP pro. All of the data is fungable. For now, I have the downloaded iso file from the ftp site. I need to know what to do next.

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Jim Hutchinson (jphutch) said : 		#1

How much memory do you have? The main problem with older computers is lack of memory. I think they say you need 256mb but I'm not positive. 512mb would be ideal. If you have less than 256mb you might want to consider xubuntu instead of ubuntu (assuming that's what you downloaded).

Have you burned the .iso file you downloaded? If not, you need to do that. If you are using windows, you won't be able to burn an .iso unless you have some app like nero or roxio. There are free iso burners out there too. In any case, you have to burn it as an iso not just a data CD.

Once burned, reboot the computer. If it's not set to boot the CD drive first you will need to go into the bios and set the CD ahead of the hard drive. I don't know about a compaq but usually you hit F2, Del or something else to enter the bios setup. It should say on the splash screen when you first turn the computer on.

If all goes well, the CD will boot and you will get a menu. Choose the "start or install" option. After a bit you will have an ubuntu desktop which you can use to test things and install with the icon on the desktop.

It's important to note that not all hardware is well supported but older computers are generally okay since the devs have had time to add the drivers to the kernel.

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