Hi, I have a lenovo laptop with win7-64 home basic, a friend installed debian6-64 with boot selection between linux and windows by grub one year ago, but a short time ago I got some issues with video and the tcsh is not working among other troubles, finally I decided to reinstall Linux, but I don't know how to do it without harming the data stored on win7, so I really appreciate your help with any tutorial or recommendation.

PD: which is better among fedora or ubuntu for scientific modelling purposes without sacrifice a stylish visual interface?

Thanks in advance!

In reverse order:

In strictly technical terms, there is probably zero difference between Fedora and Ubuntu purely for scientific modelling (or several others, for that matter). There would be differences in app and library management (so if you prefer debian-style or rpm-style, that would make a difference) and there would be differences in extensiveness of repositories, so if there are any particular packages or libraries that you need, you should check for the availability of those.

Find out which partitions are used for what currently, and use them for the same purposes on re-install.

Notes:

• be sure that you get it right!
• back up first! (you probably ought to back up second, too)

Most problems can be fixed without re-installing anything. Have you run all your updates?

As for the question regarding scientific modeling there is a thread asking about that question in the forums. See here --> http://www.linuxquestions.org/questi...ations-826162/

HTH

Yes, but it is still not working...

Hi, thank you!, it just should need to put the usb or the cd of installation and following the instruction, for example for ubuntu?, it could damage grub?

Thanks!

You'd need to be more specific about exactly what problems you are having. If it relates to software you installed or changes you made, it can probably be fixed.

what software ?
i use NASA/AMES/JPL "isis3" and "stereopipline"

but on ScientificLinux 6.3

these programs WILL not work well on Fedora 17
( though ISIS3 for RHEL6 dose run on opensuse12.1)

so the REQUIREMENTS for the software you are using ,is VERY important.

Ubuntu is popular
but
RHEL/CentOS/SL are meant for use in the Lab.
and with the now 10 year lifespan of RHEL6
that is why it is the base for CERN's and Fermilab's use of it for SL and "fermi linux"

switching from debian 6 to RHEL( or a free rebuild) 6 will take some getting used to
( or running fedora 17 - but with fedora's 6 month release cycle ????
fedora is a VERY VERY fast R&D distro -- NOT good for the Lab. )

but BOTH are long life STABLE distros


as to installing
any major linux distro should AUTO see the windows 7 install and not destroy it
-- but mistakes DO HAPPEN !!!
-- so BACK UP YOUR DATA !!!!!!!
however YOU will have to do a custom install for the bootloader to install it on the FIRST LINUX partition
-- the default is to but it on the MBR ( and windows is there )