How to Try Linux Without Installing Anything

Linux is an Operating System like Windows XP or Vista. Unlike Windows, Linux is free. Some people want to try Linux without installing it on their computers first, because they're not sure they will like it. Linux has a live CD that allows you to try it without installing it. The following steps will help you try Linux first before installing it.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A computer
• Ubuntu 7.04 CD or download.

1. Get an Ubuntu CD from a local computer store. The creators of Ubuntu encourage people to use and pass their software around. If you can't find a copy at your nearest computer store, you can download it off the Internet.

2. Put the CD into the computer's CD-Rom drive, then restart your computer. The Ubuntu Operating System will start instead of the Windows Operating System. Follow the instructions on the screen.

3. Choose "start/install" from the menu list. This will bring up the Ubuntu desktop. There will be two icons on the desktop, "example" and "install."

4. Play around with Ubuntu. The best way to decide if you want this Operating System is to experiment with it to see if it meets your needs. You can surf the Internet, see the kinds of programs Ubuntu uses and see if your computer hardware will work with it. You can do all this before you actually install the program.

Tips & Warnings

• There are lots of software packages to install and there are people working on new software all the time.
• If you ever have a problem using the Ubuntu desktop, you'll always find someone online to help you at the support forum.