Linux All-In-One For Dummies, 7th Edition

Chapter 2

Installing Linux

IN THIS CHAPTER

Using Linux and Windows on the same computer

Taking basic preinstallation steps

Installing and booting Ubuntu

There are three major approaches for installing Linux. If you have a spare computer that’s only going to run Linux and nothing else, you’re in luck! You can skip the “Installing Ubuntu” section and start your installation. If you do run into any problems, you can find troubleshooting information in Book 1, Chapter 4 as well.

Of course, many people don’t have the luxury of having more than one computer to use for Linux. To install Linux permanently on an existing PC, you’ll need to have a hard disk area set up for it. There are three common solutions to this problem:

• Completely replace an existing operating system on the hard drive.
• Install Linux on a second hard drive.
• Partition an existing hard drive to include Linux.

The first solution is the easiest way to install Linux on a PC. Most Linux installations even include an automatic process that guides you through converting a PC entirely to Linux. However, this is an all-or-nothing approach — you’ll be replacing your existing operating system entirely with Linux! If you’re okay ...