How to Change an Operating System

After using the same operating system for a while it can be an exciting challenge to try something new. For example, an increasing number of Windows users have migrated to Linux based systems like Ubuntu. Also, many Microsoft Vista customers have downgraded to Windows XP because of Vista's documented bugs and security venerabilities. Whatever the reason for changing your operating system, it's really not that difficult to make a switch. Here are a few steps to help you install a new operating system in your personal computer.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer owner's manual
• New operating system disks
• External storage media
• Windows hardware drivers

How to Prepare

1. Decide what you want. If you decide to stay with a Windows based system be prepared to spend some money. If you want to try a Linux based system, most of them are free. Linux has free software equivalents for almost any Windows based program on the market.

2. Purchase new Windows disks or download the installation media from your favorite Linux distribution. Once the files are downloaded, burn them to CD or DVD. Follow the directions provided on the website. You can also order free installation disks for some distributions like Ubuntu. See the link below for more information.

3. Back up your data. If your computer contains data or files that you want to keep, back them up on external storage media such as a CD or DVD disk. Installing a new operating system will erase everything on the hard drive unless you partition it manually.

4. Gather your Windows driver disks. If you are installing a new Windows based system, make sure you have all of the manufacturer driver disks that came with your PC hardware. For example, many video cards require additional drivers.

5. Set your BIOS to boot from the optical drive that you will be using to install the new operating system. In most cases, this will be your CD/DVD drive. Refer to your computer owner's manual, if necessary.

How to Install the New Operating System

6. Load the installation disk into the CD/DVD drive and then restart the computer.

7. Allow the operating system to format and partition the hard drive with the default settings. If you are familiar with partitioning a hard drive, you can also choose to manually partition the drive.

8. Enter a user name and password when prompted. It's very important for security purposes that you set up an administrative account.

9. Select programs and services. Some distributions allow you to choose which software packages will be installed. If you don't feel comfortable selecting packages, accept the defaults.

10. Select your timezone and language preferences. You may also be prompted to select a keyboard layout.

11. Wait for the installation to complete, remove the installation disk, and then restart the computer.

12. Install additional hardware drivers, if prompted and then load your personal data and files into the new operating system.

Tips & Warnings

• Many Linux distributions like Ubuntu offer live CDs which allow you to try the operating system before you install it. Simply load the CD into your CD drive and then reboot your computer for a test run.
• If you are changing the operating system of a laptop or notebook computer, make sure it is plugged into an electrical outlet to avoid a power interruption during the process.

Resources

• Request a Free Ubuntu CD