Rand Whitehall asked:




Listed below are the five most common ways to install Linux on your system. If you are a total newbie running a Windows system, you might want to consider option V!

I. Slick and go: You can install it on your hard disk and completely erase the current disk, which will wipe out your Windows install. This isn’t recommended unless you are installing Linux on an older computer that isn’t critical to your business. Or if you are really ready for a change and are into new and exciting things…
II. Dual-Boot: Another way is to install Linux alongside your current Windows install and then decide which one you want to use at bootup. This is a popular route because you can always go back to Windows if you need something. This is recommended because there will be growing pains when you start to use Linux. Linux can do anything that Windows can do, but it is not Windows. Once you get used to Linux, you’ll never go back, but sometimes getting to that point is difficult. Dual-booting can ease the transition and give the new Linux user a safety net.

III. Boot from USB flash drive: You can alternatively install Linux on a USB stick and eliminate the risk of hurting your current Windows setup. This is a nice option because it has all of the advantages to the Dual-Boot option, and you can carry your Linux distro with you whereever you go. Then any computer at work or home or your friend’s house is your Linux box.

IV. New HD: Another “safe” way to get into Linux is to either buy a new harddrive, or grab a used one out of your spare computer parts drawer and install Linux on the new HD. (You do have a spare computer parts drawer, right?) Take the old drive out, carefully store it somewhere safe, put the “new” drive in and install Linux. If at any point you want to go back to your Windows system, then just swap out drives. This is a nice way to go because it is safe, and it is easy.

V. Super Easy: The final way to install Linux is the super easy method. Simply use the Wubi installer. Wubi is a Windows program that makes installing Linux very easy. Just download Wubi and it will install Linux on your Windows computer with a few easy clicks. For more about Wubi, go here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wubi_ (Ubuntu_installer).

The great thing about Wubi is that a Windows user can try out Linux without doing a complex install involving partitioning or formatting. Wubi is an easy way to get Linux going but there are a few limitations. Hibernation is not supported. If Windows crashes and the hard drive is unmounted uncleanly, there can be issues. The system may be a little slower compared to normal install methods. But for someone who wants to give Linux a test drive, this is a great way to go.

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