A D V E R T I S E M E N T

What is Linux?

Linux is an operating system (OS) developed by Linus Torvalds at the University of Helsinki in Finland. Linus released his source code under GNU General Public License (GNU GPL). The source code can be freely modified and redistributed commercially and non-commercially by anyone under the GNU GPL. Then what is an OS and how it works? So many questions, huh... When you turned on your computer, the processor will trigger the Basic Input Output System (BIOS), the BIOS will then look for the the boot device (it can be your CD/DVD, floppy disk, flash drive, but mostly hard disk). An OS must be in the boot device and when it loads you can see that the computer opens. In simple terms, OS is the one that will make your computer open. This statement however underestimates OS, and unacceptable in real sense. I recommend the following articles for more information: (a) Operating system (b) Windows Bootup Process

Why should I install Linux?

If you are a Windows user, and all your computing needs are met by Windows then you don't need to install Linux. Most Windows users do not need Linux and can go on without Linux. If you're a heavy user of Microsoft Office products, you don't need to install Linux.

You should install Linux if...

• You want a free of charge OS. Yes most Linux are free of charge, but take note that not all Linux are free of charge.
• You are so disturbed when you heard somebody said that Linux is better than Windows, and you want to verify their statement.
• You are super-duper curios about Linux
• You want to feel geeky and techie
• You want your classmates to be awed by your OS
• You are so concerned with virus, spyware, malware, etcetera
• You want to experience the security of Linux OS
• You want to become a member of Linux fanatics and partials

Installing Linux

There are many ways to run Linux in your windows machine, but I will only highly recommend one. And that one is in the last part: Install Linux in a Separate Hard Disk. The following are some of the many ways to run Linux.

Using Live CD

Using Live CD is the best way to look what's inside Linux without installing it to your system. This will allow you to try Linux and evaluate the system if it really fits for you. The disadvantage however is that this will run fairly slow and everything will be erased after you close the system as it runs only from CD. Every Linux distribution has a Live CD available free of charge. You can request a CD or download an image file to burn to CD or DVD. Among the many choices, the following are most popular: Ubuntu, Fedora, Mandriva

Install Linux in Virtual PC

Make sure you have a copy of one of the Linux distributions listed above. Install Microsoft Virtual PC, you can download it here. Install the Virtual PC software and follow the onscreen instruction. Install Linux in your Virtual PC by using the wizard. A complete instruction on how to do it can be found here.

Install Ubuntu using Wubi

Ubuntu is one of the most popular Linux distribution, above all, it is free of charge. You can install Ubuntu using Wubi, a program specifically designed to install Ubuntu to Windows machine. It is easy and safe. You can download Wubi here.

Install Linux in a Separate Partition

In my previous post, I discuss how to partition the hard disk within Windows Vista, you can install your preferred Linux distribution into a new partition. Run the Linux installer and install it to the new partition you just created. Most Linux distribution can detect that you have a Windows system installed so it will allow you to dual boot your computer. When your computer boot up, a boot menu will let you select which OS to run, Windows or Linux.

Install Linux in a Separate Hard Disk

Among the different ways to install Linux in your machine, this is the one I highly recommend. Your data is safe and Linux and Windows will not share the same hard disk, so all your files are safe. The only disadvantage to this is that you need to shed some $$ for another hard disk. Install a second hard disk into your computer. You need to open your computer using a screw driver to accomplish this. If you don't know how to do it, ask an assistance from a computer technician or from the store where you buy the hard disk, let them install the hard disk for you.

With your extra hard disk ready, boot up your computer and enter the BIOS setup. To enter the BIOS setup, most computer ask you to hit delete or F2. In the BIOS, change the first boot device to CD or DVD and the second boot device to the new hard disk you just installed. Insert the CD/DVD installer of Linux and restart the computer. When the Linux installer is loaded, make sure to install all its files to the new hard disk.

That's it, you have Windows and Linux totally separated in one computer. if you want to use Windows again, simply select the priority boot device, I mean go back to BIOS setup and select the hard disk containing Windows as the first boot device.

If you need more assistance, you can contact me, just drop your message.