All "which distro should I choose?" queries here.
abhijit_reddevil
Manchester United
Hello friends,
I am planning to use Linux for the first time. I have decided to try out Ubuntu by reading through the comments on this thread. I plan to use skype/yahoo messenger, web browsing, office applications, photo editing with the new distro. Keeping in mind all these, should I try out some other distro? I am completely new to this and need some time to learn the features of linux. From the ubuntu site, I saw there is option of the windows installer (Windows installer for Ubuntu Desktop | Ubuntu) which I can use to install this while running windows and then dual boot it.
My laptop is Asus K53SM - SX 010 D, details in my sig.
If I decide to not use it, how can I uninstall this?
Thanks..
I am planning to use Linux for the first time. I have decided to try out Ubuntu by reading through the comments on this thread. I plan to use skype/yahoo messenger, web browsing, office applications, photo editing with the new distro. Keeping in mind all these, should I try out some other distro? I am completely new to this and need some time to learn the features of linux. From the ubuntu site, I saw there is option of the windows installer (Windows installer for Ubuntu Desktop | Ubuntu) which I can use to install this while running windows and then dual boot it.
My laptop is Asus K53SM - SX 010 D, details in my sig.
If I decide to not use it, how can I uninstall this?
Thanks..
You can use Ubuntu / Linux Mint. Max. members will suggest Linux Mint, as it's based on Ubuntu and comes with some pre-installed codecs and all. Ubuntu doesn't comes pre-installed due to some restrictions and their policies. So to play general Media Files (Audio / Video) you need to install those codecs manually also Flash Player, JRE etc. for browsing which comes pre-installed in Linux Mint.
So I'd also say, for first time, better try Linux Mint, you can also go with Ubuntu, there's no harm.
As you mentioned, you are thinking of trying it using Wubi (i.e. within Windows), I strongly do not recommend that (Almost everyone will). There are many drawbacks. Don't consider it for now.
If you are trying to seriously trying Linux, then free up some space on your HDD / SSD (whatever you use!!) and install directly form bootable CD / DVD / USB.
Ofcourse in this generation, it doesn't makes sense to waste CD / DVD, instead create Bootable USB from Downlaoded ISO and try it out.
*www.linuxliveusb.com/ will help you to create Bootable Linux USB flawlessly.
Also you may try the same within Virtualization Software like VirtualBox. Directly boot from the ISO and install and keep using it. If you want to continue you may consider installing it on HDD (as multi boot with Windows) otherwise simply delete the Virtual Machine..!! As simple as that.
In case you want to delete after installing in HDD (as multi boot with Windows) you may simply delete the Linux Drive from Windows and use Windows Recovery Disk to fix your MBR.
Hope that helps
So I'd also say, for first time, better try Linux Mint, you can also go with Ubuntu, there's no harm.
As you mentioned, you are thinking of trying it using Wubi (i.e. within Windows), I strongly do not recommend that (Almost everyone will). There are many drawbacks. Don't consider it for now.
If you are trying to seriously trying Linux, then free up some space on your HDD / SSD (whatever you use!!) and install directly form bootable CD / DVD / USB.
Ofcourse in this generation, it doesn't makes sense to waste CD / DVD, instead create Bootable USB from Downlaoded ISO and try it out.
*www.linuxliveusb.com/ will help you to create Bootable Linux USB flawlessly.
Also you may try the same within Virtualization Software like VirtualBox. Directly boot from the ISO and install and keep using it. If you want to continue you may consider installing it on HDD (as multi boot with Windows) otherwise simply delete the Virtual Machine..!! As simple as that.
In case you want to delete after installing in HDD (as multi boot with Windows) you may simply delete the Linux Drive from Windows and use Windows Recovery Disk to fix your MBR.
Hope that helps
abhijit_reddevil
Manchester United
You can use Ubuntu / Linux Mint. Max. members will suggest Linux Mint, as it's based on Ubuntu and comes with some pre-installed codecs and all. Ubuntu doesn't comes pre-installed due to some restrictions and their policies. So to play general Media Files (Audio / Video) you need to install those codecs manually also Flash Player, JRE etc. for browsing which comes pre-installed in Linux Mint.
So I'd also say, for first time, better try Linux Mint, you can also go with Ubuntu, there's no harm.
As you mentioned, you are thinking of trying it using Wubi (i.e. within Windows), I strongly do not recommend that (Almost everyone will). There are many drawbacks. Don't consider it for now.
If you are trying to seriously trying Linux, then free up some space on your HDD / SSD (whatever you use!!) and install directly form bootable CD / DVD / USB.
Ofcourse in this generation, it doesn't makes sense to waste CD / DVD, instead create Bootable USB from Downlaoded ISO and try it out.
*www.linuxliveusb.com/ will help you to create Bootable Linux USB flawlessly.
Also you may try the same within Virtualization Software like VirtualBox. Directly boot from the ISO and install and keep using it. If you want to continue you may consider installing it on HDD (as multi boot with Windows) otherwise simply delete the Virtual Machine..!! As simple as that.
In case you want to delete after installing in HDD (as multi boot with Windows) you may simply delete the Linux Drive from Windows and use Windows Recovery Disk to fix your MBR.
Hope that helps
Hello,
Thanks for information. By mistake I installed Ubuntu 12.04 from Windows and facing some problems like I could not install Skype for linux (some packages missing). I had to also run autoupdate to update the software center. Looks like I have to try Linux Mint or alternatively create a bootable USB and install Ubuntu from there.
No issues. Once you have installed, explore it rather than Distro Hopping.
Post the problems, members are always here to help you out.
Now that you have moved to Ubuntu, first run these commands one by one...
1. sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get upgrade
This will ask for your root password which you provided during installation, provide it. This commands updates the repo ad updates your OS to latest version of packages.
2. sudo apt-get install ubuntu-restricted-extras
This will install general Codecs (for playing MP3, AVI, MPEG Files etc.) JRE, Flash Player and many other important packages
Now, after that, when you are trying to install Skype, let us know what packages are missing, i.e. what is displayed, we'll help you out to install and get going.
Post the problems, members are always here to help you out.
Now that you have moved to Ubuntu, first run these commands one by one...
1. sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get upgrade
This will ask for your root password which you provided during installation, provide it. This commands updates the repo ad updates your OS to latest version of packages.
2. sudo apt-get install ubuntu-restricted-extras
This will install general Codecs (for playing MP3, AVI, MPEG Files etc.) JRE, Flash Player and many other important packages
Now, after that, when you are trying to install Skype, let us know what packages are missing, i.e. what is displayed, we'll help you out to install and get going.
Hi.
Like so many people, I am in next upcoming days will have some free time and I wish to explore Linux world.
My PC Configuration is,
Q6600 / G41M-Combo / 8GB DDR-III / 500 GB HDD / 9600 GT
I wish to know which one ? Ubuntu ??
Secondly, should I virtualize ? or use Pen Drive installation ??
How Big Pen drive would be needed for Live Boot install of Ubuntu and will it anyway effect my Windows installation ??
Thanks.
Like so many people, I am in next upcoming days will have some free time and I wish to explore Linux world.
My PC Configuration is,
Q6600 / G41M-Combo / 8GB DDR-III / 500 GB HDD / 9600 GT
I wish to know which one ? Ubuntu ??
Secondly, should I virtualize ? or use Pen Drive installation ??
How Big Pen drive would be needed for Live Boot install of Ubuntu and will it anyway effect my Windows installation ??
Thanks.
^^ Yes, Ubuntu OS is the best as the first stepping stone to the world of Linux.
You have two options:
1. Live USB Disk
To make a live USB disk of ubuntu download the Ubuntu ISO from official site, and use this nifty tool: *www.linuxliveusb.com/en/home. The tool is pretty self explanatory. You can use a Pen drive as small as 2 GB to make this live disk. And by choosing "Persistence Space" you can also make sure that any changes you make while using Ubuntu in live mode, is saved. So for eg, if you downloaded an app, XChat then if you have enabled Persistence, the next time you boot from Live disk, XChat would be there. If you don't enable persistence at all, it would be like using a fresh copy of Ubuntu every time you boot from it.
2. Dual booting along side Windows:
If you install Ubuntu on some other partition, that is, dual boot it along side the existing Windows OS, then Ubuntu will make a bootloader, GRUB, separate from Windows bootloader, and GRUB would have an entry to let you choose between Windows or Ubuntu. So, if you install Ubuntu carefully, it won't affect existing Windows in any way.
If ever you decide to remove Ubuntu you can just format the Ubuntu partition from Windows "Computer Management". In that case GRUB will probably be erased, and you would have to restore Windows bootloader which you can easily do so using a utility called, EasyBCD, which btw have become paid now. But, is free for Non Commercial use and you can download from official site after registering.
Of course, there is a 3rd way too to use Ubuntu, which doesn't involve making a Live USB disk or dual booting, and is called "Wubi" which allows you to let install Ubuntu inside Windows itself, but this kind of Virtualized environment doesn't do justice to the experience of Linux for a newbie. So better stay away from it!
You have two options:
1. Live USB Disk
To make a live USB disk of ubuntu download the Ubuntu ISO from official site, and use this nifty tool: *www.linuxliveusb.com/en/home. The tool is pretty self explanatory. You can use a Pen drive as small as 2 GB to make this live disk. And by choosing "Persistence Space" you can also make sure that any changes you make while using Ubuntu in live mode, is saved. So for eg, if you downloaded an app, XChat then if you have enabled Persistence, the next time you boot from Live disk, XChat would be there. If you don't enable persistence at all, it would be like using a fresh copy of Ubuntu every time you boot from it.
2. Dual booting along side Windows:
If you install Ubuntu on some other partition, that is, dual boot it along side the existing Windows OS, then Ubuntu will make a bootloader, GRUB, separate from Windows bootloader, and GRUB would have an entry to let you choose between Windows or Ubuntu. So, if you install Ubuntu carefully, it won't affect existing Windows in any way.
If ever you decide to remove Ubuntu you can just format the Ubuntu partition from Windows "Computer Management". In that case GRUB will probably be erased, and you would have to restore Windows bootloader which you can easily do so using a utility called, EasyBCD, which btw have become paid now. But, is free for Non Commercial use and you can download from official site after registering.
Of course, there is a 3rd way too to use Ubuntu, which doesn't involve making a Live USB disk or dual booting, and is called "Wubi" which allows you to let install Ubuntu inside Windows itself, but this kind of Virtualized environment doesn't do justice to the experience of Linux for a newbie. So better stay away from it!
Of course you can, but I will reiterate:
"... this kind of Virtualized environment doesn't do justice to the experience of Linux for a newbie. So better stay away from it!"
Are you sure about that?
Is Software Center a part of the other distros you are talkinga about, which makes installing apps a breeze as well s secure, especially for a newbie? From my experience Ubuntu have got the largest support on forums. And oh, btw, Steam is available on ONLY Ubuntu as of now!
So, yeah. Did I say, "IN YOUR FACE?"
Couldn't agree more on that though! GNOME FTW! Awesome interface with added support of countless extensions makes customizing it easy and fun.
Should I take the live Disc approach ??
Since I dont have any spare HDD or extra partition in my present disc to install Linux on and I am not going to take risk of partitioning a data filled disc
Will live disc be a better option compare to Virtual installation ? As I read in the link of live linux that it also some what virtualize the setup
doomgiver
Warframe
get on irc, tujhe dekh lunga xD
oh yeah. gnome 3 rocks. i have absolutely no idea why canonical insists on unity.
i gave up on ubuntu as soon as they picked unity as the default interface
however, im using awesome atm (its winters, i wear gloves, so touchpad does not work. awesome is faster than using a mouse)
the only good thing about ubuntu is that it includes a *lot* of packages by default. even those that we dont usually need : example, it even has dialup modem drivers, lol.
dude, live disc means that your HDD wont be used at all for installing.
virualizing is completely different than a live disc.
i suggest you try out the live disc, and if you like it, install it on a pen drive of 8 GB size. (yes, you can use the usb drive as a hard disk and install a fully functional ubuntu in it.)
oh yeah. gnome 3 rocks. i have absolutely no idea why canonical insists on unity.
i gave up on ubuntu as soon as they picked unity as the default interface
however, im using awesome atm (its winters, i wear gloves, so touchpad does not work. awesome is faster than using a mouse
)the only good thing about ubuntu is that it includes a *lot* of packages by default. even those that we dont usually need : example, it even has dialup modem drivers, lol.
dude, live disc means that your HDD wont be used at all for installing.
virualizing is completely different than a live disc.
i suggest you try out the live disc, and if you like it, install it on a pen drive of 8 GB size. (yes, you can use the usb drive as a hard disk and install a fully functional ubuntu in it.)
Re: All "which distro should I choose?" queries here.
If "awesome" is the thing which makes you less reliant on mouse, I am all up to give it a try. I am a touch typist. Rarely want to use mouse.
Those days are gone pal. IRC is not for me.
Running Linux from a Live disk by booting from it gives you the exact same environment that you get in case you install it. That is when Live Linux is running it is the sole OS that would be running on your system at that point of time. Which means all the resources of the PC will be available to Linux.
Whereas, running Linux on a Virtual Machine (Virtualization) requires you to use Windows as the host OS and resources of your PC are shared among Windows and to the virtual linux. Which effectively translates to the fact that, lets say Linux would get only a fraction of the RAM from the total you have. There by hindering the performance of Linux.
And yes you can use your pen drive to run the linux in live mode. Just make sure you allocate enough Persistance memory as explained by me in previous post.
however, im using awesome atm (its winters, i wear gloves, so touchpad does not work. awesome is faster than using a mouse
If "awesome" is the thing which makes you less reliant on mouse, I am all up to give it a try. I am a touch typist. Rarely want to use mouse.
Those days are gone pal. IRC is not for me.
Running Linux from a Live disk by booting from it gives you the exact same environment that you get in case you install it. That is when Live Linux is running it is the sole OS that would be running on your system at that point of time. Which means all the resources of the PC will be available to Linux.
Whereas, running Linux on a Virtual Machine (Virtualization) requires you to use Windows as the host OS and resources of your PC are shared among Windows and to the virtual linux. Which effectively translates to the fact that, lets say Linux would get only a fraction of the RAM from the total you have. There by hindering the performance of Linux.
And yes you can use your pen drive to run the linux in live mode. Just make sure you allocate enough Persistance memory as explained by me in previous post.
Having a C2Q and 8 GB, so I can spare few of Gigs there
Anyway, I completed the huge download of 700 MB, and decided to give it run in Vmware
Immediately I am stuck.
I cant install VMWare tools. I double clicked, nothing happened, vmware help said run via terminal. After searching a bit, I opened terminal, but I am totally lost in the way Ubuntu file system is arranged.
Some of the known DOS command seems to be working like cd, dir and such but is there any guide for layout as where is what ??
Re: All "which distro should I choose?" queries here.
RAM was just an example. Virtual Ubuntu will also share other things like processor and graphics memory.
And there are countless number of basic lessons available on net where you can get started with Ubuntu. Like: this vid: Getting Started | Ubuntu Basics - YouTube.
Forget the video, it sucked
Just get this manual from official site: Ubuntu Manual - Home
PS: Not going to spoon feed you more. If you going to try Ubuntu, you better start discovering stuff on your own! :/
Godspeed.
Having a C2Q and 8 GB, so I can spare few of Gigs there
Anyway, I completed the huge download of 700 MB, and decided to give it run in Vmware
Immediately I am stuck.
I cant install VMWare tools. I double clicked, nothing happened, vmware help said run via terminal. After searching a bit, I opened terminal, but I am totally lost in the way Ubuntu file system is arranged.
Some of the known DOS command seems to be working like cd, dir and such but is there any guide for layout as where is what ??
RAM was just an example. Virtual Ubuntu will also share other things like processor and graphics memory.
And there are countless number of basic lessons available on net where you can get started with Ubuntu. Like: this vid: Getting Started | Ubuntu Basics - YouTube.
Forget the video, it sucked
Just get this manual from official site: Ubuntu Manual - Home
PS: Not going to spoon feed you more. If you going to try Ubuntu, you better start discovering stuff on your own! :/
Godspeed.
Where is Root user ??
I am trying to run command ./vmware-install.pl in terminal however its aborting saying it needs root user
Try prepending sudo to the commands where you need root access. It's equivalent to "Run as Administrator" in Windows.
So much so for my "Not spoon-feeding" decision! X_x
thinkjamil
Journeyman
Re: All "which distro should I choose?" queries here.
I'm thinking of switching to dual boot instead of virtual using machines on windows 7, so I shrunk a partition to create a 20 free space.
That's the maximum space I want to invest on GNU/linux.
Machine Specs: i5 2nd, 4GB ram, radeon 6490M.
Can anyone suggest me a suitable distro ? I will basically need gcc , mysql and dev stuffs and chromium. And Gnome 3.4 or higher is preferred. Speed and NTFS compatibility is a must. I have tried ubuntu 12.10(i386) in wubi but install process goes unresponsive @"kernel_thread_helper" which is quite a famous problem for ubuntu. Now I have DVDs of openSUSE12.2 and MINT 14(cinamon)(64). Mint also has a wubi derived installed which also crashed while installing.
If fedora is better for the purpose ,let me know with supporting arguments. I'll get which ever is better
And one more thing, If I ever feel like removing the GNU/linux , how should I start to finish without effecting windows 7(for gaming,and everything )?
usr level : beginner -->intermediate
I'm thinking of switching to dual boot instead of virtual using machines on windows 7, so I shrunk a partition to create a 20 free space.
That's the maximum space I want to invest on GNU/linux.
Machine Specs: i5 2nd, 4GB ram, radeon 6490M.
Can anyone suggest me a suitable distro ? I will basically need gcc , mysql and dev stuffs and chromium. And Gnome 3.4 or higher is preferred. Speed and NTFS compatibility is a must. I have tried ubuntu 12.10(i386) in wubi but install process goes unresponsive @"kernel_thread_helper" which is quite a famous problem for ubuntu. Now I have DVDs of openSUSE12.2 and MINT 14(cinamon)(64). Mint also has a wubi derived installed which also crashed while installing.
If fedora is better for the purpose ,let me know with supporting arguments. I'll get which ever is better
And one more thing, If I ever feel like removing the GNU/linux , how should I start to finish without effecting windows 7(for gaming,and everything )?
usr level : beginner -->intermediate
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