penwright

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Hi, I want to install Ubuntu Linux 9.04 in my windows environment, which means I won't have to partition my drive or uninstall my windows XP, in case I don't like it. I've done quite a bit of research, but I haven't found anything about what it will look like on my desktop. Will I be able to still use my software and will my desktop look the same or different? I am happy, however, to discover that I will be still able to use Firefox. Thanks for any help you can give me before I take the plunge.

TB0ne

Well, Linux is a complete operating system. You don't install it under Windows XP, so it won't be on your desktop, in that sense.

However, you CAN dual-boot your PC. There are lots of how-tos to be found on Google (and on here as well), to guide you through it. The biggest thing, is to have Windows loaded first, and have a good chunk of free disk space. After that, it's not hard at all. You'll wind up with a boot-loader, with linux as one choice, and windows as the other.

As far as programs go, no, the Windows software won't work under Linux. Just as Mac software won't work under Windows, they're two different OS'es. But, there are programs to do anything you'd like, from editing photos/videos, to documents, and creating web pages. Firefox works great under Linux, and you've got lots of other browser choices too, as well as different desktop environments.

Also, Ubuntu is a good distro...but not the only one. If you find there are some things you don't like, don't be afraid to blow Ubuntu away, and load another to try it. And, unlike Windows, you don't have to take what you're given..you can make it look/act/feel however YOU want.

brianL

Wubi uses some sort of virtualisation to install Ubuntu on a Windows partition. It puts an entry in the Windows boot menu, so you have a choice of which to boot into. It looks and behaves just like "real" Ubuntu. OK for people who don't want to dual-boot.

penwright

The reason I want to try it is because my computer has slowed down immensely. From what I read, Ubuntu 9.04 is supposed to help with this. Also, it is capable of being used within the windows environment. I don't know if I can give you a link here so I'll just say, Google Ubuntu 9.04. That should take you to their free site for downloading it.

Thanks for your help.

gold_leaf

It is important to be clear that Ubuntu provides an alternative to Windows, and is not in any way going to help a Windows installation to run faster. The only way to run Ubuntu from within Windows is to use a virtual machine, but that's not going to help Windows run any faster, and would result in a slow Ubuntu.

If the OP's computer has slowed down and he wishes to continue using Windows, then his options are to use the various maintenance tools that that operating system provides (e.g. disk defragmenter). If the OP wishes to use an alternative operating system which he has heard performs quicker, then the OP can do that, having already found the appropriate website from where to download the disk image. The OP will also be able to find instructions at the same website regarding what to do with the software.

penwright

Well, I tried it, but couldn't get it to start because it said my username or password was incorrect. So I uninstalled it in Safe Mode. I'm going to reinstall it and this time write down both my username and password. I know I was using the right ones, but this time I'll know, for sure, if there is a glitch.

I'll post the results later.