# Ubuntu **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [July 17, 2008, 9:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ubuntu/456807 "2008-07-17T09:07:15Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Qwakkeddup](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/90ced4/32.png) [@Qwakkeddup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qwakkeddup)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2008, 9:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ubuntu/456807/1 "2008-07-17T09:07:15Z")
Ubuntu I know the most about computers in my family. Never went to school for it, all school of hard knocks. No programming, but I can follow directions. I have manually removed a few viruses before, done some tricks to make windows act more the way I want. Have physically torn down three computers and used them to make a working one. I got the free installation cd for ubuntu . I tried it on my computer, currently running windows xp in an attempt to make it a dual boot. Miserable failure. Installation seems to go through the partitioning and format then just kinda dies. I did put an empty hd in and tried to do the install, same result. I only had the one hd in at the time. So how much trouble should this be, I installed windows 3.1, windows 95 and 98, and of course XP many times for each and rarely had a problem. Oh I forgot to mention, I did load from The cd, and that worked, just can’t get it on the hd so It would boot up without the cd. Does Ubuntu require more expertise to install? Is there anything else I can try in open software? A little factual advice on alternatives would be appreciated. The box I tried it on is running XP with 512 mb ram. Will give more info on it if you need it. Thanks for any help. ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2008, 9:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ubuntu/456807/2 "2008-07-17T09:15:03Z")
Are you installing from the liveCD? I’ve found that problematic on some systems, but usually have success using the ‘alternative’ CD, which has a simple, text-based installer. In terms of difficulty, I’d say it’s more or less on a par with installing Windows, although the questions the Ubuntu installer asks you are typically more fundamental in nature than some of the Windows installer prompts. ---
**Author:** ![Derleth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b9e5f3/32.png) [@Derleth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Derleth)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2008, 9:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ubuntu/456807/3 "2008-07-17T09:47:04Z")
It shouldn’t be hard at all. If the normal desktop/LiveCD isn’t working, then download the Alternate CD and see if you can’t go through the text prompts. I find them self-explanatory, and you certainly don’t need to be a programmer to use them. Read and follow all of the instructions and you will be fine. Since you’re installing to a blank hd, you won’t have to worry about re-partitioning, so just go with their automatic partitioner. ---
**Author:** ![Improvisor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/50afbb/32.png) [@Improvisor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Improvisor)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2008, 5:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ubuntu/456807/4 "2008-07-17T17:56:54Z")
Do you know if you are using the 32-bit versus 64-bit version of the OS installer? From the description of your machine I’d guess that you would want to be using the 32-bit version (download from [here](http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu/download) and use the Desktop Edition ‘Standard Personal Computer’ version). The 64-bit version is meant for newer dual-core machines that need 64-bit capable chips and motherboards so won’t run on a 32-bit OS. That’s just a guess on what your particular problem is. As an aside, I just built about 10 machines using a downloaded ISO from the link above and had no issues with them. It really should be a 15 minute process start to end. I’d try this: - download a new version of the install from the link above (alternatively they will mail you physical install CDs for free but it takes a couple weeks for delivery) - burn the ISO to a blank CD using Nero or something that can burn an ISO image - Put the disc in and on disc bootup there should be an option to check the data on the disc for integrity. Just make sure the disc thinks that it is OK. (not sure what it is doing, but maybe just running an MD5 checksum). - Try to install against that new, blank HD you have. - Go with all the defaults on the install - Report back with issues… ---
**Author:** ![GargoyleWB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gargoylewb/32/199_2.png) [@GargoyleWB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GargoyleWB)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2008, 6:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ubuntu/456807/5 "2008-07-17T18:09:27Z")
I feel your pain. Ubuntu (and Linux distros in general) are still really finicky about specific hardware support. An installation will often be an extreme of either flawlessly easy or nightmarishly frustrating. It pays to look up your computer and hardware compatibility in advance. In my case, I have a vanilla business laptop (Dell Vostro series) that one would expect to have Ubuntu take to easily (mainstream mass-market hardware). After using the Live CD, neither my wireless or sound worked at all. My touchpad didn’t work, and video resolution was locked at some ridiculously low-res default level. Good news is that forum hunting and messageboarding solved the problems, and it now works flawlessly, but it took probably 100 hours of newbie-troubleshooting time to get there (apt-get? What’s that?) ---
**Author:** ![Derleth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b9e5f3/32.png) [@Derleth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Derleth)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2008, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ubuntu/456807/6 "2008-07-17T18:48:18Z")
[QUOTE=GargoyleWB] (apt-get? What’s that?) [/QUOTE] What we used before Synaptic and Aptitude. 😉 > [@Improvisor](#): > > The 64-bit version is meant for newer dual-core machines that need 64-bit capable chips and motherboards so won’t run on a 32-bit OS. Not quite. First, I think all 64-bit desktop systems will run 32-bit OSes (otherwise, all of the OEMs would need to buy 64-bit OSes from MS). Second, people run 64-bit software because it’s better at things like video processing/playback and other memory-intensive tasks. With a 32-bit OS, your 64-bit CPU is emulating a 32-bit chip and all of your software has to be 32-bit as well. **64-bit OSes can run 32-bit software** as long as the hardware supports it and there are appropriate libraries installed. The AMD and Intel 64-bit chips support it, and Ubuntu handles the library part just fine. I’ve been running a good deal of 32-bit software (including Firefox) on my 64-bit Thinkpad R61i (wonderful hardware, by the way) without a hiccup. ---
**Author:** ![Improvisor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/50afbb/32.png) [@Improvisor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Improvisor)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2008, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ubuntu/456807/7 "2008-07-17T19:02:20Z")
[QUOTE=Derleth] What we used before Synaptic and Aptitude. ;)Not quite. First, I think all 64-bit desktop systems will run 32-bit OSes (otherwise, all of the OEMs would need to buy 64-bit OSes from MS). Second, people run 64-bit software because it’s better at things like video processing/playback and other memory-intensive tasks. With a 32-bit OS, your 64-bit CPU is emulating a 32-bit chip and all of your software has to be 32-bit as well. **64-bit OSes can run 32-bit software** as long as the hardware supports it and there are appropriate libraries installed. The AMD and Intel 64-bit chips support it, and Ubuntu handles the library part just fine. I’ve been running a good deal of 32-bit software (including Firefox) on my 64-bit Thinkpad R61i (wonderful hardware, by the way) without a hiccup. [/QUOTE] Agreed, but if he is trying to install a 64-bit OS onto an older 32-bit x86 architecture (Pentiums, Celerons, etc) he would definitely be having problems. And I’m not sure how the Ubuntu graphical installer would handle it. If the installer doesn’t check that first, it might behave like he is describing… he can fire up the CD go through the partition (which I believe is done from the CD itself, not anything on the HD), but than when files started getting copied across and it starts to depend on 64-bit OS on a 32-bit architecture, it dies. ETA: Actually, now that I re-read my quote, I do have a typo in there. I should have said “The 64-bit version is meant for newer dual-core machines that need 64-bit capable chips and motherboards so won’t run on a 32-bit **ARCHITECTURE** ”. My bad. ---
**Author:** ![Improvisor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/50afbb/32.png) [@Improvisor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Improvisor)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2008, 7:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ubuntu/456807/8 "2008-07-17T19:07:18Z")
Also, in regards to the OP… If you are new to Ubuntu, check out the forums. Highly trafficked and extremely useful. > **[Ubuntu Forums](https://ubuntuforums.org/)** > > A help and support forum for Ubuntu Linux. ---
**Author:** ![Qwakkeddup](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/90ced4/32.png) [@Qwakkeddup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qwakkeddup)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2008, 8:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ubuntu/456807/9 "2008-07-17T20:00:23Z")
**Improvisor** , I have book marked the site and will look it over. **Mangetout** , I do believe it was the Live CD. I could load directly from the cd, just couldn’t actually install it. The cd itself is a few years old, I still have it,(somewhere). I will check out the alternate cd If I can find the site again. I mainly want to install it as a dual boot just to check it out and see what I can learn from the experiance. My currnet machien is pretty well put together the way I want it, I don’t want to swap out my hds for a clean one at this time. maybe later if I really like Ubuntu. I will report back here if I am successful or not. ---
**Author:** ![Nanoda](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/ce73a5/32.png) [@Nanoda](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nanoda)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2008, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ubuntu/456807/10 "2008-07-17T20:14:58Z")
Whoa! If your CD is anything more than 6 months old, you absolutely need to get a new one. There’s no point troubleshooting an old version when you can get the latest, spankiest release in just a few mouseclicks. ---
**Author:** ![Improvisor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/50afbb/32.png) [@Improvisor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Improvisor)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2008, 8:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ubuntu/456807/11 "2008-07-17T20:35:47Z")
Seconded. Go download the newest version, 8.04 LTS, and I have a feeling your install onto the existing Windows box will be much smoother. ---
**Author:** ![Qwakkeddup](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/90ced4/32.png) [@Qwakkeddup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qwakkeddup)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2008, 1:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ubuntu/456807/12 "2008-07-18T01:14:06Z")
I am currently downloading ubuntu-8.04.1-alternate-i386.iso with an hour to go. also downloading ISORecorder V2RC1.msi I could not find the old disk. Thanks for the advice, I am gonna try it again here real soon. ---
**Author:** ![Qwakkeddup](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/90ced4/32.png) [@Qwakkeddup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qwakkeddup)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2008, 3:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ubuntu/456807/13 "2008-07-18T03:14:42Z")
Ok, I have a disk made and have tried to do a restart with the cd in. It is the alternate cd, and I used the ISO recorder to make it. I just load XP as if nothing is in the cd drive. I will be looking at the forums to see if I can find out what I am suppose to do to make this come to life. ---
**Author:** ![Simplicio](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c37758/32.png) [@Simplicio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Simplicio)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2008, 3:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ubuntu/456807/14 "2008-07-18T03:25:06Z")
[QUOTE=Qwakkeddup] Ok, I have a disk made and have tried to do a restart with the cd in. It is the alternate cd, and I used the ISO recorder to make it. I just load XP as if nothing is in the cd drive. I will be looking at the forums to see if I can find out what I am suppose to do to make this come to life. [/QUOTE] Did you check to make sure the CD drive is your primary boot device? I think it depends on your hardware, but for me the way to do this is to hold down the del key when you boot. You’ll then get the bios set up menus and one of them will give you the ability to change the order of your boot devices. You want the CD drive to come before your hard disk in that order. ---
**Author:** ![GusNSpot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gusnspot/32/436_2.png) [@GusNSpot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GusNSpot)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2008, 3:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ubuntu/456807/15 "2008-07-18T03:47:00Z")
I never had good luck with the downloaded from the net installs. the CD’s they sent always worked fine… I have no clue why… IMO, an old separate computer, of the throw away kind, is the way to learn Ubuntu… Got any geek friends with old systems? I don’t mess with a system that is my main puter and is working good. YMMV ---
**Author:** ![Qwakkeddup](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/90ced4/32.png) [@Qwakkeddup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qwakkeddup)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2008, 5:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ubuntu/456807/16 "2008-07-18T05:21:48Z")
Live from NY its Ubuntu!!! It is alive! I remembered if I want to reboot from a different drive or a network I have to hit esc instead of del. Then it gives me the option to boot from a disk or hd. It took a minute but that was how I had to do it to put XP on here. Boy does this look different though. New question, what do I use for an anti-virus? I feel kinda naked without one. I am most familiar with avast. Will it work? I’m off to start downloading all these updates and add ons for firefox. Thankyou Thankyou Thankyou Thankyou Thankyou Thankyou Than all of you! ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2008, 7:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ubuntu/456807/17 "2008-07-18T07:10:11Z")
[QUOTE=Qwakkeddup] New question, what do I use for an anti-virus? I feel kinda naked without one. [/QUOTE] Just enjoy being naked. There are AV programs for Linux, but they exist chiefly for scanning Windows volumes or preventing you from accidentally forwarding or copying files infected with windows-specific malware, checking and disinfecting files you download from unknown sources (which are no threat to your Linux installation anyway) ClamAV is probably the most well-known AV for Linux. But for the most part, Linux is protected from viruses by design. ---
**Author:** ![Derleth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b9e5f3/32.png) [@Derleth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Derleth)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2008, 9:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ubuntu/456807/18 "2008-07-18T09:16:05Z")
[QUOTE=Improvisor] Agreed, but if he is trying to install a 64-bit OS onto an older 32-bit x86 architecture (Pentiums, Celerons, etc) he would definitely be having problems. And I’m not sure how the Ubuntu graphical installer would handle it. [/quote] Thanks to the magic of qemu (and not reading the directions all the way), I know how the 64-bit LiveCD handles it: It politely tells you that it needs a 64-bit chip and just hangs there until you reboot the machine by hand. The install process _must_ be similar to that. ---
**Author:** ![Qwakkeddup](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/90ced4/32.png) [@Qwakkeddup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qwakkeddup)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2008, 10:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ubuntu/456807/19 "2008-07-18T22:39:08Z")
Well, I finally got a chance to sit back and play with this awhile. I have tried to go into my windows files to find Music and Backgrounds. It goes there but evidently not into the areas they are in. I am looking at a bit of work to learn how to set this up. So far so good though. Get some music on here and I will be set. ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2008, 11:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ubuntu/456807/20 "2008-07-18T23:33:59Z")
Your documents in Windows are in \Documents and settings[your username]\My Documents\ - your Windows Desktop items are in \Documents and settings[your username]\Desktop\ - and so on - you’re probably used to the way that Windows conveniently re-maps these locations so they appear at the top of the tree.