Is Portable Ubuntu safe to use to try out a Linux OS?
 

I have never used a Linux OS before and ran across this application on Sourceforge.net. This version is about 500MB and modified 9-17-2008. I thought about the new version but at 1.5GB ?. Suppose to run inside Windows (I have XP Pro on two machines). Any suggestions? Thought about running Virtualbox but this seems easier. I am brand new to the Linux world. Thanks!

Simply download the latest version of Ubuntu, which comes as a live CD which you can play around with before installing. I certainly wouldn't use anything dated 2008.

Thanks. I'll do that.

We'd have to know exactly what you are looking at.

Almost every linux distro now has a live cd or dvd. They don't even bother to claim it most times.

Almost every live cd/dvd/usb is pretty much safe. Watch out for any edits to your home hard drive.

If you want to be a bit more safe then make or use an appliance at SuseStudio in a browser.

There are also ways to run a free virtual machine.

Hi again.
I plan on using Virtualbox 4.3.2-90405-win for Windows XP unless advised otherwise. I'm up for any suggestions. I'd like to just play around with a Linux ditro and have absolutely no damage done to my XP system as is now. Unfortunately, I have only 1 GB of ram. Should I avoid a dual boot? Will probably disable as many programs as possible and disable anti-virus for offline use if using Virtualbox. I'm in no rush as I continue to research Linux ditros and get help from those such as you. Windows has to go as far as I'm concerned and we have till April (plus a little longer I assume). Mainly looking at Mint, Trisquel, and Ubuntu OS's based on research but not limited in any way. Your help is appreciated! Thanks!

With only 1GB of RAM VirtualBox (or VMWare) may well be very slow. If you can use a live CD/DVD (or USB stick) then it might be better. Dual boot would probably be the best bet but you need spare hard disk space or, even better, a spare hard disk and gain a little knowledge of partitioning for that (nothing major, you may just need to split your drive into two partitions and recognise which one to install to, for example).

Thanks for the great advice!

Be careful with any dual boot. Newbies tend to not read installers questions or the installers assume some things.

Play with live cd/dvd/usb's.

See www.pendrivelinux.com for some easy ways to make a usb in windows.

Almost every distro can be placed on a usb just as if it were a real hard drive. Just be careful and know that you need a backup first of windows. Ntbackup with system state or other quality backup app. Be sure you know about hidden partitions and how to recover your system from total disaster.


Play with live media and online media.

Almost everyone here has used dual boots. They are common but carry the most risk I'd think.

Thanks again!