Now I know this is Ubuntu subforum, but I guess everything works in the same way with Kubuntu. I really wish to install it on my Dell xps1330. But some things confuse me..

1. Should I download 32 bit, or 64 bit version? My Processor is Intel(R) Core (TM)2 Duo T7500 @ 2.20 GHz.
2. I have hard drive of 140Gb. Around 50 is busy. So I have 90 left. I wish to use 40GB in total for Linux. So what should I do. I am really confused about this part..
Should I just make Vista partition to 100GB, so that 40 is left empty, and leave Kubuntu to find it and to use it in a way it recommends. Or should I actually partition it myself. I don't care about sizes, just that in total I use 40Gb. And I need easier solution.
Or is there solution, to leave everything like it is now, and then to specify the partitions during installation?

What do you recommend me to do on these two questions?

I run Kubuntu 8.04 on a D630. I run the 32-bit because some of the software isn't 64-bit, yet... Flash and a couple other things. Otherwise, the 64-bit will work, but unless you have more than 4GB of RAM, then, IMO, 64-bit is much ado about nothing.

There is an easier solution to partitioning now... It's called WUBI. From what I've read, it doesn't need any partitioning. You can read more about it here...
-- http://linux.about.com/od/dist/gr/dstwubi.htm
-- https://wiki.kubuntu.org/WubiGuide?a...&redirect=Wubi

I've not used WUBI, but I'm assuming there is an option/version for Kubuntu.

Otherwise, download and burn the ISO to a CD. Reboot the computer, and boot from the CD. During installation, there will be a section for partitioning your hard-drive. It will give you the option to shrink the Windows partition to make room for the Linux partitions. Be sure to backup any data you cannot afford to lose, because anytime you edit partitions, there is a chance that something will go wrong and all your data could be lost. Also, defrag your Windows partition before starting the Linux install. Once you have free space, then it will create new Linux partitions and install.

It all depends upon what you do with your windows... Do you use it for gaming? If so, then you might want to do the 100GB to Vista and 40 to Linux. I recommend wiping Vista off the drive completely, but then again, I am biased, and that is your choice. If you leave it how it is, 50 to Vista, 40 to Linux, then what are you going to do with the other 50? Just let it sit there? Perhaps to test a different linux distro? I personally have never used the 64 bit version, although I know I have the ability (AMD Quad-Core). I still use the 32 Bit version. I have been tossing around the idea of the 64 Bit version though. As for that choice I am not sure because I have not tested it myself. I know my comment isnt very helpful, but it all depends upon what YOU want to do.


DragonM15

Wow ranger, you beat me to it. That was fast

DragonM15

Regarding WUBI, what that does is allow you to install Ubuntu right within a directory on your existing Windows system, using NTFS or whatever file system you happen to be using. It works. The only detractions are that you potentially sacrifice speed (unnoticeable, I did not detect an easily discernible difference), and you also sacrifice the ability to Hibernate or Suspend, since you are, in effect, running on a Windows file system. Other than that, WUBI is fine, it works well. If those restrictions are not issues for you, then WUBI is an extremely easy way to install Ubuntu - almost as if its an application on Windows, but it really is a complete operating system, which can be contained within a Windows file system, assuming sufficient available free space.

Regarding 32 versus 64 bit, I do not own a 64 bit home system. The 32 bit systems I use are more than adequate. A few of my newer systems are downright fast. Given that, and the fact that you only really gain from the 64 bit address space if you need additional speed or a larger memory footprint, unless you have large storage needs or use high speed games requiring great bandwidth, stick with the 32 bit implementations for now.

That said, a 64 bit implementation will work, though you may run into a few more challenging issues finding resolutions to problems with plugins that tend to lack well written 64 bit equivalents - not insurmountable, but based on my monitoring of this, it tends to be a frequently mentioned issue, one that only experienced people seem to solve - though the experienced people usually report that they don't have any problem at all. Therefore, just take these comments "under advisement" and choose what makes best sense for you.