Ubuntu
ubiquity package

Where can I find (literally) step-by-step help for installing Ubuntu?

Asked by Paul McCudden

I have booted my computer from the Ubuntu USB stick, and am trying to install the operating system on a computer that already has Windows XP. I need the Windows installation, and cannot delete it. I have about 25GB of free space on the hard drive that is unformatted. When I start the Ubuntu installation it asks me things like what kind of file system I want (e.g., ext3, ext4, and a host of of other incomprehensible options). Which do I choose? It also asks where I want to install the "boot loader," whatever that is. Where do I install this? It also asks what I want to name the new partition. The choices include things like "/," "/usr" etc). What do I choose? In general, I need a STEP-BY STEP set of instructions for installing the operating system - not a set of instructions in the manner of "click on install and follow the instructions!" Those kind of instructions are useless. Thank you in advance. Also, my wireless internet connection doesn't seem to work when I boot up from the USB stick, so how am I supposed to download the updated software as it installs?

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actionparsnip (andrew-woodhead666) said : 		#1

Use the defaults for the file systems and itwill be fine. The location of the bootloader is also handled for you. You can use the install CD to resize the NTFS and install to the drive. The dual boot will be handled for you.

Be sure your backups are up to date in case of catastrophe. You should defrag the NTFS before starting.

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Chris (fabricator4) said : 		#2

Step by step instructions for a dual boot system are here:
http://www.psychocats.net/ubuntu/installing

Note that you should backup all your important data and make sure you have Windows install disk handy, just in case.

You should also run chkdsk on your drive before defragging or resizing the partition. The resizing operation will not check for logical errors and may crash if there is a problem with the drive.

If your wireless 3G does not work on the LiveCD then it may not work on the fresh install either. It's is probably missing a proprietary driver that will need to be downloaded. Investigate (Google search) this issue now rather than later. If you have access to a hard wired internet connection this is the easiest way of getting an updated driver. With no internet connect at all you'd have to download the installation file and install it manually later.

Chris.

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