[Fungusamongus27]

Hi, I'm building a new computer right now(thanks to help from this forum's games section) and I'm planning to install Vista to play games. However, I currently don't have the money to but Vista. I'm completely new to Linux and know close to nothing about it but heard good things about it and what it is. With today's new release of Ubuntu, I'm willing to try it out. So here's the question: If I install Linux, can I completely replace it with Vista later on? Also, if I want to dual-boot it on another computer, are there any risks?( I heard about disk-partitioning but don't know what that is). Thanks.

[TerryNet]

Yes, you can "completely replace" any operating system with any other one. So go ahead and install a Linux now, and later when you get Vista you can install it the same way as if you never even thought about Linux. Or maybe you will want to keep it in addition.

You can mess up partitioning and you can mess up a second installation (losing the ability to boot the first OS until you repair the boot manager), but those errors can be fixed. So, the risk is in spending more time and effort than you had planned and hoped.

There is plenty of information about dual booting and installations. Here is a recent thread on triple booting with links to a lot more info.

[ahk23456]

Yes you can replace it and yes you can dual-boot with mostly no problems. I would reccomend buying XP if you are low on funds. Also, there are many forms of Linux but the smallest is only 50mb. Its called DSL (damn small linux) and is actually pretty packed for 50mb. Look around for the version of linux that fits your needs the best.

[Dudeofthed]

You can always use W.I.N.E

[Fungusamongus27]

Thanks for the helpful information. I've downloaded Ubuntu on a CD and now I'm going to dual-boot my laptop. However, all the guides I looked at recommends a backup first. How do I do this?(I'm a uber n00b, sorry) Also, if the dual-boot does fail, what can I do to restore XP(don't have the disk though). Thanks.

[briealeida]

There are several ways to perform a backup. Copy your important files to a USB hard drive, burn them to a CD or DVD, store them online or copy them to another computer.

If you purchased XP, I *believe* that Microsoft will send you a copy if you have the original purchase information but I'm not sure about that. Give them a call. (They are actually kinda helpful.)

[1002richards]

A useful guide here:
http://apcmag.com/how_to_dual_boot_w...lled_first.htm

[Fungusamongus27]

Thanks for the information. I've successfully downloaded Ubuntu. Performance is awesome. However, I can't play the internet radio Pandora. It just loads 1/5 of the way. Any reason why and how I can fix this?

Posted from Ubuntu.