Installing Ubuntu for the first time with Vista SP2 installed first
 

Hello;

First post.

I am ready to install Ububtu for the first time in a dual boot configuration with Vista SP2.
I bought a new drive Seagate Barracuda 1.5T, reinstalled Vista, no problem and now am ready to install Ubuntu. I have read many articles and it seems straight forward but i am worried.

What is the best method?

Should I use GRUB?

Do I need to re-configure and leave Vista in charge of the MBR? If I do not and use GRUB will Vista automatically download updates?

I use Vista for work and games. I will update to Windows 7.

Regards;

Sethvir

A dual boot setup is the way to go....
The ubuntu installer is pretty straight forward.... following the on screen instructions should be enough....

GRUB is a boot loader, it gives you the option to chose which OS is to be booted in a multiboot system. In your case it will give you an option between Vista and Ubuntu.... So you should install GRUB.

However there is no need for worry, grub is installed and configured by default by the ubuntu installer. The ubuntu installer will even detect your vista installation and configure GRUB accordingly....

There is no need for that....

I am not sure what you mean...
As i told you, GRUB is a boot loader its duty starts and ends before an OS is booted... so grub has nothing to do with vista or its updates.....

Windows has this nasty habit of overwriting the system's MBR during installation.... this overwrites GRUB making the linux installation inaccessible... however no harm is done to any data....
Re-installing GRUB will fix this....