Ubuntu install - generic or tailored to pc ?

[diddy1234]

Hi All

I was wondering if the install of Ubuntu is generic or tailored to the current pc it was installed on ?

so what I would like to do is get the hard drive from a pc that has a non functioning cd drive and then install ubuntu on it (using another pc), could I then just plug the hard drive back into the original pc and all would work ?

The reason that I ask is that say for example under win xp, the install is locked to the motherboard, cpu etc so this idea would not work.

But since these days X org is dynamic and builds its self on hardware detected, this idea could work ?

Thanks in advance
RD

[snowpine]

You should be able to transfer the hard drive from one computer to another no problem, with two exceptions:

1. Obviously you can't move an amd64 install to a 32-bit x86 computer
2. Best not to enable any restricted hardware drivers (like nvidia graphics cards) until the hard drive is in its final destination.

[diddy1234]

Ok so what you are saying is that along as I perform a straight install off the Ubuntu CD and then take the hard drive out after rebooting then it should work ?

Yes the two pc's are both pentium 4 (laptop and a desktop) hence 32 bit.

So an install of Ubuntu is generic then (I could take the hard drive to any 32 bit pc then) ?

[snowpine]

Yes, Ubuntu installs are generic (with the exception of any restricted hardware drivers).

For example, I have Ubuntu installed to a USB thumb drive, which I use to boot several different computers. No problem.

[diddy1234]

Ok thanks for the reply.

I am looking to upgrade my sons pc (but the CD drive doesn't work any more) hence the question of swapping hard drives from different pc's.