First time installing Ubuntu

[Teh_Derek]

Alright.
I'll be installing the 32bit version of Ubuntu onto a harddrive that had vista on it, I still think it has it on there.

Should the Linux install erase the hdd? And install fine?


Is there anything else that I am going to need or know?



Thanks.

[startherepodcast]

Hi,


Should the Linux install erase the hdd?

By this do you mean that you want it to format the whole drive - if you do mean this the answer is yes

And install fine?

With linux you can not really tell. By booting the ubuntu live cd you can find out if the drivers work soon enough without installing. If it works then you can install it no problem. If not maybe its worth just giving it a shot.

Hope this helps,

Adsized

[prodezigner]

Well... if Vista is still on there, it'll let you know during the installation process.

It'll give you a 'Guided Mode' as well as an option to 'Use Entire Disk'. If you WANT to get rid of Vista and have the necessary CD/DVD media to reinstall if later if you choose, then you can use your entire disk.

Things you should know:
1.) Make sure all your drivers are fully supported and things are running correctly.

2.) Make backups of all crucial Windows files you may want to keep.

3.) Make sure Linux is right for you... while it's a fully functioning, no frills operating system, Linux isn't for everyone. Some get cold feet, and some get killed and butchered by family and are never heard from again while the folks in Redmond are cackling with glee.

4.) If you decide to take this path, which is a GREAT one... it takes time and tinkering with it to get it how you truly want it. Themes, fonts, color schemes, icons, effects (Compiz Fusion is so freakin' cool, coupled with Avant Window Navigator).

ENJOY THIS EXPERIENCE. Not everyday do you get a chance to use a fully working, free, infinately customizable O/S with such great support. I've used just about every flavor you can think of, SuSE, Red Hat, Fedora, Ubuntu, DSL, Knoppix, Gentoo, Slackware, Mandrake, Mandriva, Trustix (awesome for solid servers, but Ubuntu Server is now up-to-par). Also take the time to share this experience, you may get some Windows converts.

[andrewsomething]

Check out the Beginer's Forum (http://ubuntuforums.org/forumdisplay.php?f=73). Lots of helpful folks around there....