Moving from Windows to Linux – How to Install Linux for Windows Users – (Ubuntu Linux)
Windows to Linux – how to migrate from one to the other: my experience and tips along the way.
I decided to move my Windows laptop to Linux, after I got fed up with reinstalling XP every six months or so, when the system got so bogged-down it came to a halt. I've been a Windows user for many years, and my Linux experience was limited, so it was not a straightforward decision, but it was time to take the plunge. I know it requires a complete relearn (fine), and I know that there's little formal support (unless you pay for it), but then again, the last time I called Microsoft for support I ended up in call centre hell, and had to resolve my problem myself, so online support from the Linux community can count just as much as the Windows community.
I'm writing my experiences as a step-by-step guide, as I research Linux desktop installations and as I go along. My aim was to find an installation that is so easy for me to run, that I can recommend it to Windows users, obviously with the caveat that no one computer is the same as the other, and you really need to follow the steps to back up your files etc.
I tried three flavours of Linux (Ubuntu, Debian and Mandriva) , and eventually settled on Ubuntu, because it was the easiest of the three. Here are the steps you need to follow, with some tips along the way:
PREPARATION
1. Read up a little on Linux, ignore the gushing hype and just be comfortable that you are moving to a system that is more stable and less expensive, but potentially counter-intuitive for the hardened Windows user. You also need to feel comfortable trouble-shooting computer problems. Some installations will go just fine, but Linux tends to assume a little more computer savvy from its users, and as a result it isn’t as straightforward as Windows. If you don’t know anything at all about files, folders, programs and how computers work, maybe now is the time to turn back and return to the warm and comfy Windows.
2. Check that you meet the minimum hardware requirements to install Linux. Most systems from the last 7 years should do. For Ubuntu Linux, which I chose, the bare minimum is:
# 300 MHz x86 processor
# 64 MB of system memory (RAM)
# At least 4 GB of disk space (for full installation and swap space)
# VGA graphics card capable of 640x480 resolution
# CD-ROM drive or network card
Obviously, the more capability you have, the more you can do with it, but seriously, if you have anything below the requirements above, then you probably aren't running Windows anyway, and this article is geared to migrating from Windows to Linux.
3. I decided to make sure I have every piece of information about my laptop's specifications, before I start the installation. My main worry was that I won't be able to get my (internal) wireless card to work, or any other bits. The best way to do this is to get Windows to do all the hard work for you:
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- Go to Start Menu-->Run
- In the Run box enter msinfo32.exe
- The System Information panel will appear. This includes all the information you could possibly need about your system.
- In the System Info tool, select File-->Save, and save the file to a CD/DVD or external drive. You will need access to it after you no longer have access to anything else, so make sure it isn't saved to the machine you intend to install Linux on.
- If you don't have a second PC to look at these details, you might want to print some important pages from this file, like ports, IRQ's, the names and types of your hardware and general computer information.
4. If you have a wireless card, make sure you download its drivers onto a CD before you start. You will need them later. As mentioned further down this page, you will also want to ensure that you are hard-wired (not wirelessed) to the Net for the duration of the installation.
5. Now download Linux (yes, free, from the web!). There are numerous versions and flavours of it (Linux people call them Distributions), and each one with a zealous following. Read up on which one you prefer, take some of the claims and counter-claims with a pinch of salt. Personally, I decided on Ubuntu, so if you are following in my footsteps, it might be a good idea to do that.
You can download Ubuntu free from http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu
If you wanted another flavour of Linux, you can download it here.
IMPORTANT: If you don't have the equipment or will to download Ubuntu and burn it onto a CD, you can also order it online in CD form, or buy it in a shop. At the time of writing it's about $12/£6 on Amazon, or you can ask Ubuntu to send you a free CD, but that takes about 10 weeks to arrive.
6. Burning Ubuntu to CD: Once you have completed the download (which is around 700MB), you need to transfer the Ubuntu file to a CD/DVD, but YOU CAN'T JUST COPY IT TO THE CD. You need to burn it as an image file, so this is how it's done:
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- You need a working CD/DVD burner and an 80 minute (700 Mb) CD.
- You need to install Infra Recorder Go to http://infrarecorder.sourceforge.net/ and download and install Infra Recorder. Then run Infra recorder and select: ACTION--> BURN IMAGE and select the Ubuntu file you have just downloaded. Click "Open" and then "OK". If you have any difficulty with this part, or you want a more visual explanation go here.
- Assuming that the burning went OK, it is recommended that you check that your download is valid using the instructions on this page. I admit I didn't. I just couldn't find the correct version code for my version, and I couldn't be asked. Don't copy me, unless you have another PC to fall back on in case you need to download Linux again. If your only computer is the one you are going to run the Linux installation on, you should definitely follow this step.
7. Other info to note: Make sure you also have the following information noted somewhere that isn't the computer you are going to install Linux on:
Wireless networks - make sure you know your SSID and security key number, so you can log back on.
Cable/Broadband users: User name, Password, Connection type (usually PPPoE or PPPoA)
Proxy server settings - If you connect to the Internet through a proxy server, you will need to make a note of some details of the proxy server in order to allow Ubuntu to connect to the Internet.
Again - life becomes a lot easier if you already have another computer connected to this network (other than the one that you are going to run the installation on). I don't have a proxy, I have my wireless details noted, and the rest I'll get from my other PC if/when I need it.
If you are working with only one computer, you may want to double-check these pages in preparation, just to make sure you've covered everything that needs noting, backing up and migrating. Also ensure that you switched off the oven, and that you didn't leave your iron on...
SOME IMPORTANT POINTS BEFORE YOU START
- You can jump in head first or, if you are the cautious type, think carefully about what you will do if it all goes horribly wrong. Can you reinstall Windows? Do you have a full computer disk image function that will allow you to fall back to where you started? Or do you like living on the edge?
- If you have a wireless card in your PC or laptop, brace yourself: some work right out of the box on Linux and some don't. There are all sorts of workarounds (some swear by one called "ndiswrapper" that adapts your Linux to use Windows drivers), but the bottom line is that whatever you do it may not work. So:
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Things to do to enable your Wireless-ness:
a. Check whether your wireless card is compatible with Ubuntu - there are various compatibility lists out there, just search for "Ubuntu Hardware Compatibility List".
b. If yours doesn't work and you've run out of workarounds, or you just want a quiet life, order one that does work on Ubuntu. For example I got an Edimax USB Wifi Adapter
- For the rejects who always blame everyone else when things go wrong - you follow these steps at your peril. Every system is different, and every installation is different. Make sure you are comfortable playing with this sort of thing.
- And finally, just in case you didn't realise (there's always one who doesn't...), if you install Linux on your computer as the only operating system, or you format/partition your disk, all data on it will be lost. Even if you install it as 'dual boot' (keeping your Windows installation as well as the new Linux one), there's always a risk to your data. so please, BACK UP YOUR DATA to an external drive or CD/DVD! Don't come crying to me if you didn't, and it all gets lost. Sheesh!
INSTALLATION
OK - You are all set to install. The excitement/lament/disaster/success/new-chapter starts here:
1. Get a sense of what it will be like to install Ubuntu, by looking at the user journey example here. Believe me, it's worth it. You'll feel much better before you start.
2. Make sure your computer is hooked up to the Internet using a wire (not wireless). This is a crucial point, especially for Linux virgins. Getting your installation to recognise your wireless network card afterwards may be the death of your affair with Linux. Trust me. Just do it.
3. The cleanest way to run the installation is to switch your computer off. Put the Ubuntu CD in the drive and boot from the CD. Usually this is achieved by pressing F12 repeatedly when the computer starts, until you get the "boot menu" and then choose the drive in which you put the Ubuntu CD. Ubuntu will first run from the disk, so you can play around with it, and see if you feel confident enough to proceed. When you do, click on the "Install" icon on the desktop and follow the instructions. One of the options you will have to decide on is single or dual boot.
Single or Dual Boot?
If you want to keep your Windows installation alongside Ubuntu Linux, then you will have to choose to "resize your [existing] partition". What this means is that when you boot your computer, you will have a choice whether to run your old Windows installation or your new Ubuntu Linux installation. This is referred to as "dual boot", and is the default for the Ubuntu installation. This is the safer option. The drawback is that there is less disk space for Linux, and that you are still carrying your Windows legacy with you.
BUT NOTE: if you only have one computer, and that's the one you are installing on - use dual boot. I cannot stress this enough (I know I’ve said this about ten times already). You'll thank me if it all goes wrong, and suddenly you realise you can actually go back to Windows, and download any additional files you need or get answers to support questions.
If, on the other hand, you want to completely get rid of Windows, you can choose to "Erase the entire disk" (which does exactly that) or "manually edit partition table (if you know what you're doing). Remember: if you erase the disk, along with it goes all your data, so make sure you back it up (in fact, back it up regardless of which option you choose). I know I'm repeating myself (again! One last time, I promise), but ERASING THE ENTIRE DISK IS NOT RECOMMENDED IF YOU DO NOT HAVE ANOTHER COMPUTER TO FALL BACK ON!
Now sit back, relax and let the installation happen. It can take 20-40 minutes depending on your machine's speed. Once done and working pat yourself on the back: welcome to Linux!
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