Inquiry

[Knapp]

On Thu, Nov 6, 2008 at 4:59 AM, Rev. Jason Jay White
<jwhite1980 at sbcglobal.net> wrote:
> To Whom it may concern:
>
> I had a friend recommend that I go to http://www.ubuntu.com and upgrade my
> desktop computer from Window XP to Linux OS.  I went to the website and it
> tells me to download an iso called ubuntu and make a bootable CD from the
> iso.  I read the information on the website, however, I have not been able
> to find anything that mentions the Linux OS.  Can someone please respond and
> let me know if this is in fact Linux and if I do install it on my system
> will it wipe out my old operating system or will I be able to uninstall it
> if it turns out to be not for me.  Also, I have a lot of files on my
> computer, am I going to have to back them up to DVD before installing the
> above mentioned OS and will this OS have the drivers I will need for the
> hardware on my computer?  Thank you for your time and I am looking forward
> to hearing back from someone regarding this matter.
>
> Respectfully,
>
> Rev. Jason Jay White

Welcome to Ubuntu! Ubuntu is one of many types or distributions of
linux. You see, Linux is really the basic system that runs your
computer, the OS or operating system. You are using the Windows XP OS
now. People often call a dist or distrobution linux but really it is
linux plus a LOT of software. Each person or company that creates a
distribution does it with some purpose in mind and chose a set of
software that is the default software for you to use (When you get a
bit more advanced you can easily change this software!). Ubuntu is a
linux distribution made for new users and is a good pick for you and
also currently the most popular pick for most people. If you want to
you can explore other Linux distributions at distrowatch.com.

Ubuntu comes on a CD. You must download all the information to make
the CD and then make it with your Windows XP computer or you can have
Ubuntu send you a free CD if you don't want to make your own. Once you
have downloaded the data and burned your CD you put it in your
computer and reboot. (assuming your computer is set to boot from the
CD player and then the hard drive. IF not check back and we will help
with that bit.) You should now see something about Ubuntu and a list
of choices you can make.

A web page with a lot of helpful information about installing Ubuntu.
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Installation

One of them is to run the "live cd". This will boot and run Ubuntu
WITHOUT touching anything on your Windows XP system. It is a great way
to see how well Ubuntu will run on your computer and to learn what it
is like. It will run much slower than it would if you installed it
because CD players are much slower than HD (hard drives). It takes a
lot of people about a year to get used to the new system. Don't expect
it to be just like windows. It is not. It is better but might not feel
that way at first when you are faced with 100s of new pieces of
software.

Software programs that you will likely want to try are; OpenOffice
(like MS office), Firefox (like MS explore) and of course there are a
ton of other things that you can install and play with. I think there
are about 20,000 programs that you can use for free.

When you find that you like Ubuntu you can then install it on your HD.
You can keep your XP system if you want to. This is called Duel
booting. You can pick which system to use when you turn on your
computer. This is great if you have the extra room on your HD. I see
someone else has also answered your question as I type so.  I will go
see what they have said. Good luck!

-- 
Douglas E Knapp

http://sf-journey-creations.wikispot.org/Front_Page