|
|
|
Linux is a popular alternative to Windows but installation can be complicated. We show how to run it without risk
Linux is an alternative operating system to Microsoft Windows and, although it’s completely free to use, it can be complicated to set up.
Attempt to install Linux alongside an existing Windows installation and you run the risk of losing programs, settings and important data – scary stuff.
A simpler and safer way to test-drive Linux is by using a program called VirtualBox. This sets up a ‘virtual’ PC that looks and behaves like a completely separate computer, but appears as a normal window in Windows. Everything that happens in this virtual PC window is ring-fenced, so it cannot damage the real computer. As a result, you can install Linux (or anything else) without worrying about your PC or data.
In the Workshops section of Computeractive issue 259, we explain how to download, install and use both VirtualBox and Ubuntu Linux. So, refer to the magazine and then follow each of these two links in turn:
* Click here to be transferred to the VirtualBox software developer's download page
* Click here to be transferred to the Ubuntu Linux software developer's download page
Related articles
Blogs are a great way to share news and opinions online. In the first article in our two-part series, we show you how to set one up and update it
We explain the difference between internal and external storage and show you how to keep your data safe and organised by partitioning your hard disk
Do your friends think of you as their personal computer technician? We show you how to give them expert support without having to leave the comfort of your house
Q.Why can't my browser find the website address I typed...
Q.All updates have been downloaded, so why won't Windows...
Q.How do I stop Windows 7 search?
Be a money saving expert
Return of the Mac computer
The benefits of owning a smartphone
Choose Gold, Silver or Bronze membership
Save up to 40% on the cover price of each issue
Get access to the subscriber club exclusive website
Our price won't be beaten by any shop or website
|
|
|
|
|
Nikon Coolpix S570 BlackPrice: £66.99 |
Computeractive Ultimate Guide - Storage, Sharing & BackupPrice: £5.99 |
Back Issue CD-Rom 13 (2010)Price: £9.99 |
Hallmark Card Studio DeluxePrice: £15.31 |
Marine AquariumPrice: £15.41 |
I like it but
Although the Virtual Box can be enlarged to cover the entire screen - I can't seem to get Ubuntu any larger than about 8 by 6 - any ideas?
Posted by Catherine Carter, 12 Feb 2008
Shame about the item
Lets face it installs like Ubuntu are far easier than windows nowadays and you make no mention of live cd's which are both simple and in most cases free...come on do you homework and report correctly
Posted by Alex, 14 Dec 2007
Live is easier!
Ubuntu, openSuSE and other Linux flavors are available on DVD that can be started 'live'. Nothing is written to your harddisk. It's the easiest way to explore Linux riskfree!
Posted by Robert Best, 16 Dec 2007
Display Screen Size
how on earth do i increase the screen size to 100%? It seems that i cannot increase it from about 8x4
Posted by dave, 26 Mar 2008
Virtual box download
I have downloaded the program as directer in computer active but adobe 8 can not open the file. ?
Posted by Ronald R Foster, 06 Feb 2008
Ubuntu logon
I installed this as per the mag but, do what I may, I cannot log on. I know my password and my username - I have not got them wrong or misstyped them - but they keep being rejected. What is up?
Posted by David McMahon, 31 Jan 2008
32-bit Windows download
It's there, in the Virtualbox page. Click the link above, then click the x86 link next to "VirtualBox 1.5.4 for Windows hosts".
Posted by Computeractive magazine, 11 Feb 2008
virtual box
As usual the directions on Computer Active bears no relation to what is available. e.g. I can only see download for 64bit no 32 bit. get these right.
Posted by Selwyn Jones, 09 Feb 2008
No right CTRL key on my wireless keyboard
I had no problems downloading and installing the Ubuntu Linux. The problems started when I found that I was unable to release the mouse to click on Devices menu using the right CTRL key as my wireless keyboard does not have one of this key. Any suggestions on what I can do or will I have to give up the idea of using Linux using the virtual PC.
Posted by Keith Smith, 06 Jul 2008