Trying to DUMP Windows.... But

[Chris Jones]

Hi,

> But that's the important point - it only INSTALLS like a Windows program. 
> Because it then runs direct from the Windows Boot Manager, it _doesn't_
> run, in any sense, as a Windows _program_.  Windows programs are available
> from within Windows.  Ubuntu, after being installed via Wubi, is not.  So
> no, not for any intents or purposes...  It's a pretty significant
> difference to a Windows user who's never used Linux, because running out of
> a VM means they can always get back to Windows while the VM is still
> running (possibly starting up some lesser Internet browser to get an answer
> to why they're having problems), which you can't do after you boot from
> Wubi.  

This is true. But there are many things (IMO) which do not work as well 
in a VM as a native install, such as access to USB drives (I find the 
free VM solutions tend to do worse here than paid for ones). Also, you 
won't get good graphics performance in a VM ubuntu install, as you would 
in a native install. This is all obvious to those of us familiar with 
such things, but for someone considering switching to ubuntu it is just 
another set of complications that might get in the way and spoil the 
trial experience with linux..

So, I would actually go with the Wubi install. Its 'native' but doesn't 
require repartitioning etc., plus can be uninstalled easily by anyone 
familiar with windows. I take you point about users being able to fall 
back to a more familiar windows browser, whilst the VM is still running. 
But, in my view as long as the ubuntu install gets the desktop running, 
and networking working, which it really should out the box, the user 
should always be able to fire up firefox and debug any problems there.

Just my view.

cheers Chris