How to
dual boot Linux and Windows:
Now that you have decided to try out Linux, I recommend you to keep your Windows OS intact (in case you opt to switch back).There are wide number of Linux distributors out there, offering variety of flavors, select one that suits you, We recommend Ubuntu for it has very good interface and helpful user community.
Prerequisites:
Now that you have decided to try out Linux, I recommend you to keep your Windows OS intact (in case you opt to switch back).There are wide number of Linux distributors out there, offering variety of flavors, select one that suits you, We recommend Ubuntu for it has very good interface and helpful user community.
Prerequisites:
1. A system running on Window 7 with free space of 35 GB or
more.
2. A hard disk capable enough to backup all your data.
3. A CD burner and an empty CD or a USB drive with free
space of 2 GB or more.
4. Internet Access to your system with administrative
access.
First things first, back up all your data and defragment
your hard disk. Check out your distributor’s website and download the ISO file,
depending upon your requirements. Some distributors offer optimized versions
for desktop, notebooks and some of them do offer 32-bit and 64 bit versions as well.
Burn this ISO file with disk image into your CD or a USB stick. (Right click on
your mouse and opt for “Burn the disk image“.) After ensuring you have the
required space for the installation (with more than 35GB on your system),
reboot your system.
Your next step depends on your system properties: On the reboot, If you are given the option of
booting from the device you wish for, go for it; select USB or CD which ever
you have provided and begin the installation.
The problem with most systems is that you are
not generally shown the options; you have to manually set them using BIOS
(Basic Input Output System that lets you change your configurations at a very
basic level before even loading your operating System).So, as soon as you on
your system, press F5 or f12 that takes you into the required settings. Change
the primary boot options onto to your CD or USB and reboot your system with the
necessary media inserted into the drive. Select “Try Ubuntu without installing”
to get used to Ubuntu. Check your network connections and consult the Ubuntu
documentation incase of any issues. You
can also directly install Ubuntu if you seem to like it. Make sure that you
select the option of installing Ubuntu side by side to your Windows OS in your
free space. After successful installation, reboot your system and change the
necessary options in BIOS
