Guide: Install Ubuntu Linux for newbie on a system with Windows XP (Step 1 and 2)

Ubuntu Linux is by far the easiest Linux to install. If you scare of losing your data in your hard disk after Linux installation or unable to boot into Windows XP, fear not, following is a complete guide for installing Ubuntu on a system with Windows XP.

Assume that:
you have 1 hard disk with 1 partition with Windows XP on installled it.

Outcome:
You can choose which OS to boot (dual boot).


Step 1: Download and burn Ubuntu Linux Installation CD
Require: Nero 5.0 or above or any CD-burning program

1. Go to download section of Ubuntu website. Choose the nearest site.


2. In "Install CD" section, click on "PC (Intel x86) install CD" to download the "ubuntu-5.10-install-i386.iso" file .


3. After the download completed, start Nero Express.

4. Choose "Disc Image or save Project".


5. Then select the Ubuntu image file "ubuntu-5.10-install-i386.iso" that you have just downloaded.


6. Insert a blank CD-R in CD/DVD-Burner and click next to burn.


7. When finish burning, take out the CD, go to step 2.



Step 2: Partition the hard disk for Ubuntu installation
In order to install Ubuntu Linux you'll need to create 2 partitions on your current hard disk, first is the Linux Ext3 partition and second is Linux swap partition.

Require: Partition Magic 8.0

1. Start Partition Magic. Click on "Create a new partition" on the left side of the window.


2. Click next


3. Select "After C:". Click next.


4a. Ubuntu Linux at least 2.2GB for installation. It is recommended to set the partition size as 5GB. So enter "5000" in "Size:". Keep "Create as:" as "Logical". Select "File System:" type as "Linux ext3". Click next.


4b. Click finish.


5. You will see this after that. Click on "Create a new partition" again. Click next in the wizard window.


6. Select "After *." and click next.


7.Untick the "C:" partition as shown below. Click next.


8. Enter "1024" in "Size:" Keep "Create as:" as "Logical". Select "File System type:" as "Linux Swap". Click next.


9. You will see following screen. Click on the "Apply" button on the left below.


10. Click "Yes" to apply changes.


11. Click OK to reboot so the partition can be created.


12. When the PC reboot, you will the following partition in progress screen. After the partition is completed, the PC will reboot again.


13. In Windows start Partition Magic again to check on your current hard disk partition. You will see the following screen.


14. Partitioning is now complete. Go to step 3.