I am a near total newbie w/r/t Linux. Based on my research, I want to install Ubuntu.

My current computer is near death as the hard drive is making interesting grinding/clicking noises and I'm backing up my data as fast as I can. I am ready to purchase a new computer (generic, AMD 64 6000) and have the option of receiving the computer without an OS, but just a formatted HD.

My question is, if I go this route, can I install Linux from this bare-bones set up? I am trying to avoid Vista at all costs but every install guide acts as if you already have MS XP or Vista already installed.

A link to a step-by-step would be greatly appreciated or any other guidance.

Cheers.

Yes one can install Linux on a bare bones system, just ignore the parts about Windows. Ubuntu has an installation guide for installation on a blank hard drive. Basically all one needs to do is allow the installation process clean the hard drive, it will wipe the hard drive and setup the partitions as needed.

See: http://phorolinux.com/ubuntu-studio-...ion-guide.html

Welcome to Linux.

You can just stick the Ubuntu CD in the drive, make sure the computer is set to boot from the CD-ROM drive, and use the Ubuntu installer - it will take care of everything, including partitioning and formatting the hard drives and so forth. In other words, yes! You can install it on a completely blank hard drive. Just follow the instructions of the installer.

If you ever get stuck with Ubuntu, one of the best places to look for help is the wiki: http://wiki.ubuntu.com

I think this guide is pretty generic and comprehensive. https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Installation
Since you don't have anything on your hard drive, you can go with the automatic repartitioning of the disk.

You know, I think it's rather tricky to get a system without windows without any Linux experience. If you get a new computer, there is always a chance that this or that component is not supported yet. Not certain, just likely, but it would still be a pity to be deprived of certain things while the developers are catching up. And I can assure you that the catching up can take several months. If you do go Linux only, I strongly recommend that you do your research first. The motherboard in particular will be crucial. Make sure that you get one that others have found to work 100% out of the box.

So, I guess the question is whether there is a downside to having Vista installed and then partitioning to use Ubuntu. I don't want Vista unless I need it, but on the other hand, I don't want to spend hours trying to make things work if I can easily enough disable Vista...

You don't need Vista to install Linux.
What the people say here is that look carefully through the hardware you're purchasing, to make sure it's supported under Linux. But it's not like having Vista installed would make it easier for you to make things work under Linux.

Yes, that's what I meant. But if you have an xp install disk lying around, you can use that as an emergency OS instead of buying Vista. Windows would only be needed in the event that you hit a hardware problem so if you find a well-supported motherboard, you don't even need it.

ubuntu is a very good choice for first time without windows as most hardware works out of the box (the only thing i cant get to work yet is my new printer)

it detects 90% of new hardware like wifi cards fine


my advice would be to go for it (check the use whole harddrive box in the installer)

99% chance that enough will work to get a usable system where you can acsess this site (if you cant get wireless internet try a lan cable in the interim)

then post anything that you cant get to work here and the chances are that somone knows how to set it up...

thats how i started

if ubuntu wont do everything, it will surely do most things...
just check your chip sets and if your new board is a linux certified product, if so then they will have recommended distro's listed...
I always find a distro for any pc or laptop, never failed yet, just have to play sometimes...
linux only is a fantastic start, dont let the knockers get to you...

Thanks to everyone for their input. I'm contemplating getting this chipset:

NVIDIA® nForce 570 SLI chipset

* AMD Athlon™64 X2/ Athlon™64 socket AM2 platform
* Supports high performance Dual Channel DDR2 800 memory
* NVIDIA SLI Multi-GPU function for extreme graphics performance
* Integrated NVIDIA SATA 3Gb/s with RAID function
* Optimized Gigabit LAN connection with NVIDIA TCP/IP Acceleration technology
* Integrated T.I. IEEE1394 FireWire interface
* Features 8 channel High Definition Audio
* RoHS compliant motherboard for green computing
* Supports Windows Vista Premium


It has this note with it however: "Due to different Linux support condition provided by chipset vendors, please download Linux driver from chipset vendors' website or 3rd party website."

Thoughts? Thanks again.

who is the board manufacturer?
eg msi, asus

It's a Gigabyte GA, but an Asus is also a possibility. I have an Asus currently.

shouldnt have too much trouble with that setup then...
gigabyte are nice boards...
Building the same system once the parts arrive next week, will let you know how i went..

Okay, thanks. Well, I'm placing the order. I love knocking off $100+ without the MS OS...

Let's just hope I can install without totally botching it. We'll see in about 10 days...