For a little over two years, I have been yammering on about Linux and Ubuntu. To get started using it, you need to either order a free Linux CD from the distribution of your choice or download a copy then learn how to burn a bootable CD from it. For many, this just isn’t going to happen.
However, if you are extremely curious about Ubuntu and would try it if it was easier, Lifehacker just wrote an article about a new program called Portable Ubuntu that installs and runs like any other Windows program. This should be a great way for many novice computer users and Ubuntu lookie-lous to give it a try. The download is still huge (a few hours for most people), but you might have fun giving it a try.
Lifehacker – Portable Ubuntu Runs Ubuntu Inside Windows – Portable Ubuntu.
The key program for booting linux from windows is Qemu. This is what lets the linux kernel talk to the windows API/kernel and work. It is available and will work with any distribution of linux, and as far as I’m aware windows. It’s funny that this was once considered a “work-around” to get hardware functionality out of devices that did not have native linux support like win-modems, portable media players, and wireless devices, as the device was still accessed through windows. This is a great way to check out linux, but I feel that it still better to grab a full version of live boot cd/dvd/usb linux to experiment with, and still not risk the contents of your hard drive. Ubuntu already supports creating a live usb from the live cd/dvd and is an excellent way of getting a “true” feeling of the linux environment, and it will still let you access all your windows disks if you wish.
Pingback: Posts about Lifehacker as of April 4, 2009 » The Daily Parr
Not ready for Ubuntu yet . . . but wanted to know your new logo and/or website layout is very great!
Just Plain Bill
Thanks…I’m working hard on cleaning things up and trying to make the information as easy to access as possible.
I’ve been reading your comments about Ubuntu & am definitely interested. I have some questions, tho’, before I try it.
1) Ubuntu & Linux sometimes used together or seperately, is that similar to G.J.’s Patterson & F Road? One & same but 2 names? (yes or no only)
2) The reponse above from J. Mason about Qemu; what is that all about & is it worth it?
3) I changed from dial-up to Qwest’s 1.5 Mbps HiSpeed several mos. ago & part of the Qwest’s download gave me Windows Live. How would going strictly Ubuntu affect my Qwest HiSpeed? I.E., is it compatible? (I realize I can, at first, use both, so maybe I’m getting ahead of myself w/this question before I try Ubuntu.) (yes/no answer okay)
4) A family member questioned being able to use software needed/wanted with Ubuntu?
5) IF, after trying it, can my email lists, “Favorites/Bookmarks” lists be transferred to Ubuntu w/o much trouble? (Just need a yes/no answer for now)
My system has available requirements Ubuntu requires, so am okay with that part of it.
I’m your older G.J. citizen, sometimes I understand the computer lingo but a lot of it has me scratching my head wondering.
I like the “error free” claim about Ubuntu.
Sincerely,
Joan
You can find the answers to all of these questions in my articles about Ubuntu…start with this one: Ubuntu 5 Minute Video Tour
Comments are closed.