Can linux be downloaded over win xp to change OS?
 

I have a Microstar 7410 PC with windows Xp and need to change (upgrade) the OS. I know nothing about Linux and if it works that way. Can you give me info about how this would be done? If it can, how much space do I need for the program or does it replace xp completely? Are all necessary drivers in the program? So many questions about Linux. I am on a different PC right now and have never worked with Linux but would like to have the program on my other Microstar.Any info will be appreciated. Thanks!

linux replaces windows completely.
(there's various more advanced setup methods, one where linux runs inside a virtual machine, one where you have 2 seperate partitions on your hard drive -one with winxp, other with linux)
...but for all intents and purposes,
linux replaces windows.
they are both operating systems, and not programs. only one operating system can run at a time on one computer.

for your other questions, the answer is:
most probably yes, but it depends on your hardware.
send us some specs, you'll get some more answers.

Member Response
 

Hi,

Welcome to LQ!

Look at: Newbie alert: 50 Open Source Replacements for Windows XP

Once you have selected and downloaded the ISO image you can use one of the 'MD5SUM' checkers below to verify a valid download. Then use 'Imgburn' at a low burn rate (setting of 4) to insure a valid burn on your hardware.

Quote:

Just a few links to aid you to gaining some understanding; 1 Linux Documentation Project 2 Rute Tutorial & Exposition 3 Linux Command Guide 4 Bash Beginners Guide 5 Bash Reference Manual 6 Advanced Bash-Scripting Guide 7 Linux Newbie Admin Guide 8 LinuxSelfHelp 9 Utimate Linux Newbie Guide The above links and others can be found at 'Slackware-Links'. More than just Slackware® links!

You may need to see if you can connect to the system with a linux machine, because from what I read it's a windows interface with no mention of linux.
http://www.mstarlabs.com/docs/pr-xdap7410.html
If it will connect to a linux machine you may be able to debootstrap it.

i'm sorry, i forgot to answer the original question:Yes. just download the .iso file like you would any other file, and search for instructions how to either burn it to a cd or put it on a usb (unetbootin under windoze for the latter).

what is this thing?
are you sure that is op's hardware?

Not sure but when I google Microstar 7410 PC that's what I come up with. Have you come up with something else, or maybe OP will comfirm.

It would be very difficult to run xp and at the same time install linux. It could be done.

A neat trick some distro's use is called WUBI. It is a windows application that can be run from windows to make a dual boot into linux.

Most people might download a cd/dvd/usb and boot it that. One could also use various floppies that could access some resource and be used to install.