windows 8

[Allisterguy]

Hi
I have been running Ubtuntu on my desktop for about a year no major problems. I have obtained a used sony Ultrabook which runs windows 8.
can I install unbuntu on it? I would prefer to replace windows if possible. There is no discdrive only usb slots.
I have a usb disc drive but I think it might not be that simple.
Any advice appreciated.
Allister Guy

[Bucky Ball]

Thread moved to Installation & Upgrades.

Yep, I just did this very thing on a HP Stream 11 with no optical drive (I think you meant optical drive and not disk drive).

Download the .iso and create a USB with Universal USB Installer (http://www.pendrivelinux.com/universal-usb-installer-easy-as-1-2-3/) or UNetbootin (http://unetbootin.sourceforge.net/). ;)

Links to the more common .iso files of the various flavours. Torrent is best way to download.

http://www.ubuntu.com/download/desktop

http://xubuntu.org/

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Lubuntu/GetLubuntu

[sudodus]

It should be possible, and easier if you intend to overwrite Windows (compared to a dual boot system). Usually it is easier to install linux in computers that are not brand new, but at least one year old. In addition, the problem with locking the computers to boot only Windows has appeared during the very last years. Ultrabook does ring a bell though ...

Please specify your computer

- Sony Ultrabook model (there are usually several models within names like 'Sony Ultrabook', maybe you have a good link to a specification)
- CPU
- RAM (size)
- graphics chip/card
- wifi chip/card

and it will be easier to give specific advice. If you are lucky, someone who owns such a computer will read this link and can tell us details. While waiting for a reply, you can try Ubuntu (Kubuntu, Lubuntu, Xubuntu, ...) before installing it (http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=2230389)

The following link describes how make a USB boot drive (pendrive), https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Installation/FromUSBStick

I can boot from a USB CD/DVD disc drive as well as a USB HDD drive, so that is also an option.

[oldfred]

I think every Sony we have seen has the modified UEFI that uses the description to allow only "Windows" to boot. That is not UEFI standard and there are several alternative work arounds if you install in UEFI boot mode. A few install in BIOS boot mode, but lose some of the advantages of UEFI.

Best work around may depend on model, if dual booting or just Ubuntu or several other factors.

[RobGoss]

Hello and welcome, it should be fairly simple just download what distrubtion you would like to install and burn it to a USB thumb drive. Place that thumb drive in your machine and boot from it. Depending what your specs are you might require a lighter version.