So, you've all heard of "Linux" but haven't had

[Nightsabre offline]

the guts to try it.

Well try out the Wubi Installer found at http://wubi-installer.org/

Basically, it will allow you to install a Ubuntu Linux Distro on top of your Windows-based computer without having to changing the bootloader,partitions,ect. So if you've wanted to try Linux without damaging your system I'd recommend giving it a try. I used it to teach myself Linux (about 1 year ago) and now I practically am on Ubuntu everyday.

The program can be easily uninstalled if you do not care for the operating system.

I'd like to know about others Linux's expirences or if this program worked for you.

[Kamekai offline]

This is what I need. I prefer Linux over all others, but it seems I am the only one in my household who knows how to use it. Tell me, will this override any restrictions placed by Windows, i.e. user restrictions?

[Nightsabre offline]

This is what I need. I prefer Linux over all others, but it seems I am the only one in my household who knows how to use it. Tell me, will this override any restrictions placed by Windows, i.e. user restrictions?

Nope, basically it will give you the normal boot screen when you turn your computer on.
--------------------------------------------
"Please select a operating system"

Windows XP (Version)
Ubuntu

Press Enter to select
--------------------------------------------

As for overriding Window's User Settings the answer is No it won't as this is installed on a "virtual partition" on the hard drive. While in Linux you have extremely limit access to the Windows section of the hard drive. I hope this clears the question up.

[Kamekai offline]

'S what I thought, mate. Thanks. :]

[Tangent128 offline]

I heard of that... I'll need to wait until next month to try it, though- I have 0.73 gigabytes of bandwidth left for the next 2-3 days. Downloading Xubuntu and watching all US-released Death Note episodes will do that to your quota... (btw, I was disappointed with Xubuntu. Apparently, it doesn't work well with Compiz. I'll be trying Kubuntu next.)

So, with Wubi, the Windows file system is still mounted, isn't it?

[Overcaffeinated Sloth offline]

Oooh, niice. Shiny...

Maa, I think i'll just put Ubuni back on my comp, but maybe I'll give this a try?

[Nightsabre offline]

I heard of that... I'll need to wait until next month to try it, though- I have 0.73 gigabytes of bandwidth left for the next 2-3 days. Downloading Xubuntu and watching all US-released Death Note episodes will do that to your quota... (btw, I was disappointed with Xubuntu. Apparently, it doesn't work well with Compiz. I'll be trying Kubuntu next.)

So, with Wubi, the Windows file system is still mounted, isn't it?

Yes, this leaves the Windows File System completely intact. While this is not like VMWare it works much like a ISO works. The entire Linux Distro is installed a "virtual partition" file which is stored on the physical partition. ie. C:\wubi\ubuntu\

An what ISP you running? I wasn't aware many US-based ISP with a bandwidth cap anymore. Then again you could possibly could live overseas. I'm in France right now using my T-Mobile connection on my laptop to use remote access to my desktop computer to browser the internet,ect. Hence my IP on the forum is coming out at AT&T in Georgia. But in all reality my desktop is at my home in Florida.

*Edit* - Didn't mention but Wubi installs the latest Ubuntu Distro 8.04 Beta (Hardy Heron) which is to be released in 29 days.

[Tangent128 offline]

Yes, this leaves the Windows File System completely intact. While this is not like VMWare it works much like a ISO works. The entire Linux Distro is installed a "virtual partition" file which is stored on the physical partition. ie. C:\wubi\ubuntu\

An what ISP you running? I wasn't aware many US-based ISP with a bandwidth cap anymore. Then again you could possibly could live overseas. I'm in France right now using my T-Mobile connection on my laptop to use remote access to my desktop computer to browser the internet,ect. Hence my IP on the forum is coming out at AT&T in Georgia. But in all reality my desktop is at my home in Florida.

*Edit* - Didn't mention but Wubi installs the latest Ubuntu Distro 8.04 Beta (Hardy Heron) which is to be released in 29 days.

I was asking if the Windows file system was mounted while Linux runs- were I to install Wubi, and then MPlayer (naturally), could I play my OCRemix collection from "My Documents"? (I think so- a page somewhere said it would be put under /host/)

Yeah, I'm in the U.S. Where I live, the only (non-satellite) broadband option is antenna. We have a big television-type aerial on top of our house, which plugs into a box plugged into our Wi-Fi Router.

[Nightsabre offline]

Yes, this leaves the Windows File System completely intact. While this is not like VMWare it works much like a ISO works. The entire Linux Distro is installed a "virtual partition" file which is stored on the physical partition. ie. C:\wubi\ubuntu\

An what ISP you running? I wasn't aware many US-based ISP with a bandwidth cap anymore. Then again you could possibly could live overseas. I'm in France right now using my T-Mobile connection on my laptop to use remote access to my desktop computer to browser the internet,ect. Hence my IP on the forum is coming out at AT&T in Georgia. But in all reality my desktop is at my home in Florida.

*Edit* - Didn't mention but Wubi installs the latest Ubuntu Distro 8.04 Beta (Hardy Heron) which is to be released in 29 days.

I was asking if the Windows file system was mounted while Linux runs- were I to install Wubi, and then MPlayer (naturally), could I play my OCRemix collection from "My Documents"? (I think so- a page somewhere said it would be put under /host/)

Yeah, I'm in the U.S. Where I live, the only (non-satellite) broadband option is antenna. We have a big television-type aerial on top of our house, which plugs into a box plugged into our Wi-Fi Router.

Yes, your Windows File System IS mounted and accessible. But it's slightly limited, but you shouldn't have any issues running your OCRemix as long as the file types are supported by the media players provided in Ubuntu. But you could always use WINE or something similar to run a Windows native program.

[Kharaa offline]

btw, I was disappointed with Xubuntu. Apparently, it doesn't work well with Compiz. I'll be trying Kubuntu next.

Kubuntu krew checking in, and I haven't had much luck with compiz either. I always install it wrong anyway though, so your mileage may vary I suppose. (Xgl works, at any rate.)

[Tangent128 offline]

Well, I installed Ubuntu (the Gnome version); Compiz kinda works, but often crashes.

A bigger issue is the lack of a Wi-Fi driver that works for me, so I can't get online to install MPlayer, POV-Ray, Opera...

[Nightsabre offline]

Well, I installed Ubuntu (the Gnome version); Compiz kinda works, but often crashes.

A bigger issue is the lack of a Wi-Fi driver that works for me, so I can't get online to install MPlayer, POV-Ray, Opera...

http://linuxwireless.org - That should have the driver you need included in their bundle.

[Tangent128 offline]

Thank you very much- it did work! No need for any of that fwcutter mess, even!

Now to install Opera...

[FènéethxAelita offline]

Sweet, it supports Vista, this may just be the trial that gets be to use linux, even if I still like Windows more afterwards, the compatibilities will still be nice to have.

[Tangent128 offline]

I very much enjoy Compiz.

Wobbly windows feel so natural...
Multiple desktops; with the advanced settings, I can just mouse off the screen to scroll between them.
Other advanced setting fun: Burning windows!

[Nightsabre offline]

As of Ubuntu 8.04 (Hardy Heron) the Window's Filesystem is now found at /host folder located in the root directory.

[Kamekai offline]

I very much enjoy Compiz.

Wobbly windows feel so natural...
Multiple desktops; with the advanced settings, I can just mouse off the screen to scroll between them.
Other advanced setting fun: Burning windows!

I actually have two monitors hooked up to my machine.

[Overcaffeinated Sloth offline]

Ahh, I remember Ubuntu. It was actually pretty nice! All the dedication of Linux with the ability to neatly disappear. LIKE A NINJA. That was on my old computer before we dismantled it in the move.

And up until last Wednesday, we were running SuSe Linux 10.0, but we upgraded to 10.3...

IT'S TOO GREEN.

But, I love it! They made a lot of nice improvements!

And to FXA, The nice thing about Linux is the unique ability to run something called a dual boot, meaning that every time you start or restart your computer, you have the ability to run either Windows OR Linux! That way, you get the best of both worlds! But just remember to install windows first...

[FènéethxAelita offline]

Ahh, I remember Ubuntu. It was actually pretty nice! All the dedication of Linux with the ability to neatly disappear. LIKE A NINJA. That was on my old computer before we dismantled it in the move.

And up until last Wednesday, we were running SuSe Linux 10.0, but we upgraded to 10.3...

IT'S TOO GREEN.

But, I love it! They made a lot of nice improvements!

And to FXA, The nice thing about Linux is the unique ability to run something called a dual boot, meaning that every time you start or restart your computer, you have the ability to run either Windows OR Linux! That way, you get the best of both worlds! But just remember to install windows first...

Linux doesn't give the computer this ability, the Bios can already do it, and can be used to boot any Windows or Linux OS, or even multiple versions of both if you partion them, the menu is found using F12 during BIOS startup. Example- installing XP on a PC that already has Vista. It's cool, either way, I working on personal project right now, that is capable of booting Win 2000, XP, Vista, and any versions of Linux I like, and I've already got all three Win OSs working on different partions, with at least 200GB devoted to each current OS.

What exacty is the difference between the different members of the Linux family, by the way?

[Tangent128 offline]

"Linux" itself is just the kernel; later versions of that mostly have bug fixes and support for new driver types.

A "Linux distribution" adds on a bunch of software, utility tools, drivers, etc. Nearly all of them include software to keep the system Unix-like, such as "bash", "ls", "dd", "init", etc. A lot of this comes from the GNU project.

Most also include the "X Windows system", which provides the GUI, and applications to go with it. Here's where you find the main division. While X provides a basic GUI interface, a separate program called a "window manager" controls how the windows are displayed- titlebars, windowshading, etc. The window manager is often lumped into a "desktop environment", which includes applications designed to share the same visual&interface style, and usually some sort of taskbar program. The most popular are "Gnome" and "KDE", with "XFCE" running a strong third. Ubuntu uses Gnome, but offers Kubuntu and Xubuntu, which use the other two. There are many other window managers and desktop environments, but they aren't as widespread.

In short, any mainstream Linux system can run any Linux program, so long as it's kept updated. The programs might not fit in style-wise, though.

[TheAppleFreak]

I burned a copy of 8.04 onto a DVD, and now, when I boot up my Mac, I just need to hold down the "C" key while booting. It allows me to run Linux without partitioning or installing.
How cool is that?

[Kamekai offline]

I burned a copy of 8.04 onto a DVD, and now, when I boot up my Mac, I just need to hold down the "C" key while booting. It allows me to run Linux without partitioning or installing.
How cool is that?

How slow is that?

I've been using Ubuntu for awhile now and I've got to say that whenever I go back to Windows it's a pain in the ass to use now. xD

[TheAppleFreak]

Ahh, I remember Ubuntu. It was actually pretty nice! All the dedication of Linux with the ability to neatly disappear. LIKE A NINJA. That was on my old computer before we dismantled it in the move.

And up until last Wednesday, we were running SuSe Linux 10.0, but we upgraded to 10.3...

IT'S TOO GREEN.

But, I love it! They made a lot of nice improvements!

And to FXA, The nice thing about Linux is the unique ability to run something called a dual boot, meaning that every time you start or restart your computer, you have the ability to run either Windows OR Linux! That way, you get the best of both worlds! But just remember to install windows first...

Linux doesn't give the computer this ability, the Bios can already do it, and can be used to boot any Windows or Linux OS, or even multiple versions of both if you partion them, the menu is found using F12 during BIOS startup. Example- installing XP on a PC that already has Vista. It's cool, either way, I working on personal project right now, that is capable of booting Win 2000, XP, Vista, and any versions of Linux I like, and I've already got all three Win OSs working on different partions, with at least 200GB devoted to each current OS.

What exacty is the difference between the different members of the Linux family, by the way?

I run a Mac, and from what I know, it is possible to run Mac OSX, any copy of Windows down to 3.1, and many distros of Linux. It isn't the OS that gives the computer to dual-boot; its the bios (basic input/output system).
Also, the differences between the distros of Linux is that the system architecture is different. Also, because of this, people may be able to find something that best suits them.

[Yumi Ulrich offline]

I don't have limewire becasue it's Illegal! Thats all!

[DL offline]

The program itself isn't illegal, just like bittorrent isn't illegal. People just use it to do illegal things.