Getting started

One of the best things about Linux is that you don't need to give up Windows to use it. You can install and use both on the same computer in just a few steps.

Ways to try out Linux alongside Windows:

LiveCD

A LiveCD is a CD containing the entire Linux operating system. You simply put the disc into your CD or DVD-ROM drive, then restart your computer to boot it and load the Linux desktop directly on your machine.

You can sample the games, connect to the internet and test out your hardware. Try playing music or video files, or writing a document and emailing it to a friend. Just note that running everything from a CD like this will be slower than from a hard drive.

We take you through the process of installing an Ubuntu LiveCD in Trying Ubuntu Linux.

Virtual Linux

Software that lets you run a virtual operating system as an application (such as Microsoft's Virtual PC or VMWare) means you can install Linux and use it on your normal Windows desktop. It's less immersive than a LiveCD but has the advantage that you can save files for ongoing use. Using your familiar Windows applications to find help if you get stuck is particularly useful.

Note that running a virtualised operating system this way requires a powerful computer and is not recommended for older hardware.

Dual boot

If you feel confident that you'd like to use Linux on a more ongoing basis, you can install it as a "dual boot". That way each time you start your computer you can opt to run Windows or Linux.

While you won't be able to access your Linux files from Windows, you can copy files to and from your Windows installation while in Linux.

It's important to note that while Linux will happily install alongside Windows, the reverse is not true. If you installed Linux first and then Windows, the Windows install would overwrite the Linux one. However, when installing Linux after Windows Linux will detect Windows and setup your system to boot one or the other when you turn your machine on.