replacing windows with Ubuntu

[James Freer]

On Wed, 4 Jun 2014, Karl Auer wrote:

> On Wed, 2014-06-04 at 09:34 +0200, Mark Widdicombe wrote:
>> On 4 June 2014 09:21, Vinny Ray <Vinny at fusiontunes.net> wrote:
>>> How do I get the windows crap off of my computer and replace it with
>>> Ubuntu without destroying my system?
>>
>> May I make the observation that if you want to sell your computer at any
>> time in the future you will find it easier if it still has windows on it.
>>  I would shrink the windows partition to the minimum, and install Ubuntu on
>> the remainder of the disc; then when it comes time to sell, just remove
>> Ubuntu and expand the windows partition.  You'll probably lose about 20GB
>> to the windows partition.
>
> That's a very good point. Your approach has the added benefit of
> preserving all the OP's data files on the Windows partition. Not so good
> for resale though - because all the OP's files are still on the drive.
>
> Most modern computers, if purchased with Windows installed, have a
> mechanism to restore the OS from a special "hidden" partition on the
> hard disk. If such a partition was present when the OP purchased the
> computer, it might be best to give Ubuntu everything except that
> partition. Then, when the computer is to be resold, the OP can use e.g.
> the shred utility to wipe the Ubuntu partitions, and restore Windows
> from the hidden partition.
>
> Of course, if the OP has Windows install media, that would be even
> better.
>
> If it were me, I would back up my data files and blow Windows away just
> for the satisfaction of it. Full speed ahead and damn the torpedoes! :-)
>
> Regards, K.

If you can; to save any disappointment or problems - can you borrow a spare PC 
and then set up linux so you can learn about package management and all. That's 
what I did first which was worthwhile practice. I try out a new distro on 
the 'test' PC before I risk the install on the main PC.

You may find that your PC doesn't boot from USB (even when set) - which is what 
I have with my two PCs (no idea why but I now use DVD-RW which is better than 
USB I think!). I'd do an install from a DVD burn iso at 4X and do MD5SUM or 
SHA256SUM without fail.

I keep windows on a spare drive (dual boot for my scanner) and linux on another 
drive and that is no problem rather than having two operating systems on one 
drive - just the way I prefer it. As you'll learn linux is all about choice!

james