Installing Linux for the first time

[grande]

Hi all,

This isn't a question to do with work, but I hope you can help me out anyway.

I've been using Ubuntu at work for the past four months, and I really enjoy it. I'm going reformat my Windows XP box to install it at home, but I'd like to ask a question first.

Is there anything special that I should know before I install? Any quirks, or tips that anyone could offer?

Thanks,
- Matt.

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Call me barely Impressive Captain.

 

[TonyGroves]

The only thing I can think of is hardware recognition. You might like to run the Ubuntu "live" version first (i.e. directly from the CD without installing anything) and check that all your hardware is detected properly; if it passes the test then go ahead and install.

 

[Kozusnik]

Although I don't do windows, if you have the space, you could partition the drive and have both. Plus, you don't actually have to format the drive, you can delete the partition and create new ones from the Linux install.

Mark

 

[pansophic]

You can use Qtparted to resize your Windows partition and create a dual-boot system. I nearly always keep my Windows partition (although it tends to be VERY small) around for those few applications that I cannot run under Linux. Like my camera Raw converter and Quickbooks (yes I know there are lots of claims that these applications can run under Linux, but even CrossOver Office fails to work with either).

I have tried to migrate completely over, but there always seems to be one or two apps that I just cannot get to work.


pansophic