[redoak]

I have a 'Ubuntu 6.06.1" "desktop-i386" "iso" CD I secured some time ago.

I am now eager to begin learning to use Linux. However, being a total "greenhorn" I am at a loss to figure out what I should do once I put the CD in the tray! I have tried to "open" the content of the CD without success.

I have gone so far as to create a separate 10 MG partition on my HDD formatted as FAT32 where I plan to install Linux based 'distro(s).'

I will be grateful for you indulgence with my lack of sophistication and whatever help may be provided.

{redoak}

[kickback999]

That is quite an old linux and improvements happen quite quickly in the world of Linux.
If it is possible for you to download a newer distro I suggest Fedora 8 (or Fedora 9 is out May 13th if you can wait) Also I use fedora so then I would be able to help you much more reliably.
If thats not possible then Ill try anyway.
Firstly, the Linux partition will be ext3 not fat32 but the installer will sort that out and format it its self and automatically (In Fedora for definate, Ubuntu should do to)
All you need to do is set aside some space on your hard disk as unformatted/unassigned space.
Then you simply need to put the cd in and reboot the pc.

[redoak]

"k- -": Thanks for the response! Never thought to reboot after putting the CD in the reader tray. By the way, is that the way to activate the distros that function without the need to install? I have a couple of them, too.

I am unable to acquire broadband at my rural location. So downloading programs of any size is virtually impossible. For example, yesterday 24 MG took a little over two hours.

I have read a "swap file" is required for some (all?) distros. Can you comment on what this is? On the other hand, just give me a good reference link.

Many thanks again, {redoak}

[kickback999]

The installer will make the swap file and all partitions automatically.
There is not a real way to use the Linux without installing it unless you download one that is designed to do that, but with dialup I doubt you would want to.

[redoak]

"k- - ": My Ubuntu CD will not boot. Several other Linux distro CDs do, so the "U" one must be bad.

I have deleted the FAT32 partition, which, of course, was empty.

I am really just wanting to give Linux "a go" to see if I can become a bit proficient at my age. Just another challenge as I continue to become a bit computer savvy. I had read that Ubuntu was more akin to Ws, which is why I sent for the CD a year or more ago. I have a friend with broadband, so will try to download the latest Ubuntu distro via "wubi." I saw a folder labeled "Fedora" one one of the CDs that will boot. Apparently this is a multi-distro CD, although its main one is "SUSE."

How many "distros" can I put on my computer, along with "XP"? Right now I have some 30 GB of unallocated HDD space. Presumably a "boot loader" will be required, about which I know nothing!

I will look into the "Fedora" possibility and report back.

I have a "Knoppix" CD that boots. However, I am at a loss to proceed with it. I will try to find info/instructions over the Internet.

Please make any further comments that may help me in the immediate future.

Thanks, {redoak}

[1002richards]

Hi redoak,
As downloading is very slow for you, had you thought of getting a free Ubuntu disc mailed to you?
It takes a while but it might be another option? Here's the link anyway...
http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu

Richard.

[kickback999]

Yes thats a good point, most Distros will mail you a disk (Fedora, Ubumtu, etc)
and Yes it is pretty good to try different distros but Fedora and Ubuntu are very similar. Fedora is just slightly faster, has a slightly easier installation and has a much better name, though when you are using the actual OS Ubuntu is reputed to be very slightly easier than the others.

[redoak]

Thanks to both of you. I will pursue obtaining a current distro of one or both mentioned. Most likely I'll be back at a future time. I am going to close this Thread.

[redoak}