This is part two of a series of posts on Linux. Part one can be found here.
There are many versions of Linux or distributions as they are called. For this series of posts I will use Ubuntu Linux as an example. Of all the different distributions available, this is the one you have most likely heard of.
Ubuntu (an ancient African word that means 'humanity to others') comes on one CD, the latest version is 9.04. To run it you will need at least 256Mb of Ram and at least 4GB of disk space. The kind of specification that was available on PC's about 6 or 7 years or more years ago. So if you have an old machine hanging around, you should be able to put it to good use.
To test out the operating system you can use the 'LiveCD' feature. With the Ubuntu disk inserted and the computer restarted, it should use the CD and not the hard disk inside your computer to start up with.
Using this method, your currently installed operating system will not be touched, nothing will be changed or deleted.
Once the computer has read enough data from the CD, it will ask which language you would like to continue with. Displayed on screen will be a menu with a choice of options. Select the top item, “try Ubuntu without any changes to your computer”...
and the process of loading in the operating system will start. It may seem slow but then the speed depends on how fast your CD drive is...
Once you get to the desktop, you can then explore the applications or even start surfing the Internet with FireFox.
If your system uses a WiFi connection, it is possible that Ubuntu may not recognize the interface card or dongle at first. If that happens then use a wired connection especially if you plan to install Ubuntu on to your hard disk. Previous versions had problems with my Hercules WiFi card but the LiveCD for 9.04 detected it just fine and even indicates signal strength and access point details.
Once you have finished trying out Ubuntu, you can shut down the computer using the menu and remove the CD, which should be ejected for you. You can then reboot and get back to the operating system you currently use, no harm done!
Coming soon, available programs, installation details and how to get your hands on a free LiveCD.
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What visitors have said...
- Steve said on 26 July 2009
Bob How big is the "LiveCD" version, have a dead CD/DVD drive on this PC, would it work from a 2gb stick? - Bob Toovey said on 26 July 2009
Steve, yes that method work just fine. That is how I installed my PC as it does not have a CD ROM drive fitted. The Ubuntu CD is a plain normal CD and not a DVD (Like Windows now comes on). So the files will take up no more than 600Mb. I shall look in to how to make the 2gb stick bootable. I take it you are a Windows user? - Bob Toovey said on 26 July 2009
Steve, just posted about creating a bootable memory stick for Linux. Hope this answers your question. - Steve said on 27 July 2009
Bob, yep a WinXP SP3 user. One who so far in his boring IT life has not even used a Linux or even a Mac OS...duh!
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My name is Bob Toovey, a UK expat living in south west France. I have worked in IT for over 20 years. I hope to give you helpful advice about using your computer and more whether you run a business or just enjoying expat life.
