Ubuntu Newbie

**CSS** · January 17th, 2009

I'm about to install Linux for the first time on a laptop after I've ordered a new desktop. This laptop is kind of dispensable and I've never tried Linux in the many years I've been using a PC, so I figure it's about that time! After looking into things, I've decided that Ubuntu is my best choice.

Currently I'm on an XP system that is loaded with stuff. When my live CD comes in, it gives me the option to completely partition/reformat my system so that everything is removed off of it prior to installing Ubuntu?

**ugm6hr** · January 17th, 2009

Originally Posted by CSS

Currently I'm on an XP system that is loaded with stuff. When my live CD comes in, it gives me the option to completely partition/reformat my system so that everything is removed off of it prior to installing Ubuntu?

If that is a question - then Yes it does.

If you are planning on keeping the laptop yourself, there is presumably no reason to securely erase the HD.

**muteXe** · January 17th, 2009

you might want to try booting off the live CD and playing with that for a while to see if you like it, and to see if your laptop's hardware likes it as well.

**minsf** · January 17th, 2009

not sure what the question is. dont forget to back up, especially if you are planning to install ubuntu on the entire hard drive. (of course, if it's a fresh desktop then there's nothing to back up).

**CSS** · January 17th, 2009

The question was does the live CD give the option to completely partition/reformat the computer before installation, or does that need to be done prior to using the CD?

**theozzlives** · January 17th, 2009

The live CD does it all for you... why don't you just download and burn it?

**talsemgeest** · January 17th, 2009

Also, please use descriptive topic titles. Almost everyone in here has a problem of some sort, so "Ubuntu Newbie" does not tell anything.

**ugm6hr** · January 17th, 2009

Originally Posted by CSS

The question was does the live CD give the option to completely partition/reformat the computer before installation, or does that need to be done prior to using the CD?

As stated before - Yes it does. You don't need to do anything in advance.

**redseventyseven** · January 17th, 2009

Also, on what are you basing your decision of which Linux to try?

I would suggest trying a few LiveCDs first, e.g. Ubuntu, Kubuntu, Xubuntu, Linux Mint, PCLinuxOS, PC/OS, Pardus, OpenSUSE, before you make your final decision.

You can get a rough idea of which one you like the best before committing it to your hard drive.