Installing Ubuntu

Part II: Installing Ubuntu

So you checked it out, and are ready to take the plunge and install Ubuntu (or Kubuntu) on your Windows machine. But you still have some lingering doubts:

• will I be able to remove Ubuntu if I decide after all that I don't like it?
• will I be able to still use Windows?
• what will happen to all my data?!?

The answer to the first is 'yes', but it's not so easy or fun.

Regarding the second, the answer is 'yes, but it depends'. That is to say, that on installing Ubuntu you are given a choice as to whether you want to "Install side by side" or "Erase and use entire disk". If you want to keep Windows on your machine, and choose at boot-time which to use, then you must do the "side-by-side" installation. Otherwise, you can do the "erase" option -- but in that case, you will no longer have Windows on your machine -- and all the data on it will have been erased as well! What to do?

The smart choice whenever you update a system in a radical manner, is to save all your irreplaceable data onto another medium. So, for instance, copy your emails and other documents onto a DVD or a USB key, or onto another hard-disk (if you have one). In my experience, this is a good idea even if you want to do a "side-by-side" install.

Assuming you have saved your important data somewhere safe, you can now cheerfully choose whatever kind of install you prefer. In the "side-by-side" case, the install will take quite a while longer, as it needs to fiddle around with your hard-disk to ensure that there is space for Windows and for Ubuntu. The "erase" option is much faster, but as I pointed out -- it does wipe out the data on that disk! Caveat installer!!

So to recap, here are your possible install options:

• Only run Ubuntu from a live-CD. Right, it's not a real install, and it runs more slowly -- but it is absolutely safe and involves no messing with your disks
• Install "side-by-side". This retains your existing Windows installation, and allows you to choose whether to use Windows or Ubuntu when you reboot the machine.
• "Erase" and install. This wipes out your Windows installation along with any other data on that disk.

It is possible to still run Windows after doing an 'erase' installation. In fact, that is a preferable way to run Windows: within a 'virtual machine'. Next time, we'll discuss this and other 'fine tuning' after installation.

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