Tuxified: Linux: Baby Steps

      Due to overwhelming demand (four votes in the last poll), I'm going to lay out exactly how to download, burn to CD, and test the most popular Linux distro, Ubuntu.
      This will net you the Ubuntu Live CD, one that you can run on your computer without altering any of your current (Windows/Mac) OS (operating system, such as XP or OS X) setup. If you don't like what you see, then you can simply reboot your computer and use the Live CD as a drinks coaster. If, however, you like it, then you can use the very same Live CD to install Ubuntu as the OS on your computer or as a dual boot (both Ubuntu and XP on your computer).

      I've chosen the Ubuntu distro for a couple of reasons; first, it's one of the easiest to install, second, the Live CD doubles as an install CD (saving you from having to download another CD), and third, with the upcoming release of Feisty Fawn (Ubuntu 7.04) just around the corner (April 17th) and promising many exciting new developments, I thought I'd get you to the head of the queue for what will be a rush to download and install Ubuntu. OK, that's three reasons. Sosume.
   Please note that the instructions given here are also applicable to the other Ubuntu choices: Kubuntu (Ubuntu with KDE); Xubuntu (lightweight Ubuntu with the Xfce window manager); Edubuntu (Ubuntu geared towards education); or Ubuntu, Christian Edition (self-explanatory).
      What you will need: A blank CD-R disc (or two, in case you screw up the first time); a computer capable of burning CDs; software for burning CDs (Windows users can get ISORecorder , Mac users can use the built-in Disk Utility, located inside the utilities folder in the Applications folder of your hard drive); and finally, an internet connection (if you're reading this, that should be taken care of, neh?).
      The first step is to download the ISO file (nearly 700MB in size), which is located here. Your computer may not know what to do with this file, so in all cases choose 'save to disc'. Depending on your internet connection speed, this may take a while.
      After downloading, you should have a ISO file on your hard disc that is named Ubuntu-6.10.iso (or something similar). If you haven't already done so, you should download and install ISOREcorder (if you're a Windows user) or locating the Disk Utility in the Applications folder. Downloaded it/found it? Good.
   With the ISO file in front of you, launch either ISORecorder or Disk Utility. From the menu you want to choose 'burn disc image'. This will open up a dialog box, prompting you to find the ISO file on your hard drive. Locate the ISO file and click on it then hit the button select/choose/what have you. Burning the ISO file may take a few minutes, depending on the speed of your CD burner. Wait patiently while this operation is in progress (or pace nervously; waiting patiently just works for me).
      When the disc image is finally burned to CD, you can remove it (if testing on another computer) or simply reboot. The computer should briefly shutdown and start up again; when the power lights go on, briefly depress the 'C' key on your keyboard to tell your computer to start from the CD drive.
   Once the computer starts up using the CD drive, you will see the Ubuntu logo and name; you should select the top option 'Start or Install Ubuntu'. Don't worry! You're not installing it! Hit the return key or wait until the counter has counted down from thirty to zero.
   It will take a minute or two for Ubuntu to load, and then you will see the Ubuntu desktop. There will be two menu bars, one on the top and one on the bottom. In the upper left-hand of the desktop will be two icons, one a hard drive and another labeled 'install'. Don't click the 'install' icon as you have just gotten the darn thing going.
   Now you should look at the various menus, preferences, applications, games, etc. Also take a moment to click on the icon on the top menu bar, situated to the far-right; this is the network manager. Click on it and see if you can get an internet connection; if you have an ethernet connection this will likely take just a moment, if you are trying to connect to a wireless LAN (local area network) you may need to enter the WEP/WPA password if your network is encrypted. I would recommend just using ethernet on this step. If for some reason you are unable to use ethernet, leave me a comment in this diary or a subsequent one, and I will try and walk you through how to do so.
   If you followed all the steps above then you have successfully tested out a Live CD; congratulations! You may choose to install this distro, or download other Live CDs and test them out. Remember: trying out a Live CD isn't the same as installing a new system, so if you really don't like the experience, just reboot your computer and remove the CD when prompted to do so.

Tuxified

April 27, 2007

Linux: Baby Steps

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