Source: Ubuntu – Desktop Features

Using a LiveCD to demo Ubuntu

Before you start, if you haven’t tried Ubuntu you could always try a quick demo by using Ubuntu through a LiveCD session. Simply create a LiveCD, put the CD into your drive and reboot your computer. Then simply select the “Try Ubuntu without any change to your computer option”. This will allow you to try it out without installing Ubuntu to your system. Just remember that nothing you do will be saved since you haven’t installed it yet. To try this option check out Ubuntu Documentation – LiveCD.

Wubi

Wubi is the easiest and fastest option since it installs Ubuntu like a Windows application. Once installed, your system will have a new option when you boot up. So you can choose whether you want to continue to Windows, or your newly created Ubuntu OS. Don’t like it? Simply uninstall it through Control Panel -> Add/Remove Programs in Windows and you have nothing to worry about.

This is the method I’m currently using and recommend.



Pros: Easiest way to install and uninstall, Great for Beginners, Only takes about 3 clicks to get started
Cons: Installed as a file and not a partition but if you are new or trying it out it doesn’t matter too much.
References: Wubi – Ubuntu Installer for Windows

VirtualBox

Virtualbox is a powerful virtualization that runs on Windows, Linux, Mac, and OpenSolaris and supports running a large number of guest operation systems such as Windows (XP, Vista, 7) and Linux (Ubuntu, Fedora, CentOS).

Virtualbox is also another popular method which enables you to run Linux as a running application on Windows. If you have a decent computer, you’ll be able to run it fine. I also use this method but prefer on booting into Ubuntu rather than running it on top of Windows using the previous method.

Pros: Easy way to get started as well, Follow the installation procedure and it will guide you through the process, You can save your current state and load it at any time, You can open Ubuntu anytime you are on Windows without shutting down.
Cons: It may be slow if you don’t have enough processing power or RAM on your computer since you are running on top of Windows.
References: How to install Ubuntu using VirtualBox

Dual-Boot

Dual-Booting Ubuntu is the last method and the most difficult but contains the most benefits. Since it installs as a partition, you will not have any performance hits. In reality, getting Ubuntu to dual-boot is not difficult at all, its just that many things may go wrong if you don’t follow the right steps.

Luckily, there is a document that explains every step of the way so you have nothing to worry about. Also, make sure to figure out how to uninstall Ubuntu, since simply removing it will corrupt your boot sequence. At this point using a Windows Recovery cd to Fix your MBR should do the trick. I’ll post a tutorial on how to do this later.

Pros: Most non-trivial, but not difficult. Best performance wise. Recommended if you are to become a frequent user
Cons: Lots of things may go wrong if you don’t follow instructions, non-trivial to uninstall
References: Chapter 4: Installing Ubuntu

Conclusion

Whichever method you try out will allow you to check out Ubuntu. So make sure to try out Ubuntu with a LiveCD for a demo. Then decide which option makes the most sense for you. If you are a beginner, sticking to using the Wubi method is your best option. Remember to follow all installation procedures correctly and you should be fine. Let us know what option you use and why.

So how does it work? Simply run the Wubi installer, enter a password for the account, choose some basic options, and click “Install”. Yes, it’s that simple. It’s not going to take any modifying of your partitions or boot loader. It just works like any other application. Yes, it’s that simple. If you don’t like it, simple uninstall it like any other application. Best of all, it’s free.

I’ve used it and to be honest, it’s great. Wubi is hassle free and extremely easy to use. Like mentioned, it’s extremely easy to uninstall and no need to worry about something going wrong.

What to know about Wubi

Below are somethings that you should know about Wubi before you try it out.

• Read the Wubi FAQ if you want to know how it works and answers to many of your questions
• To make it easier, pre-download the ISO and save it to the same directory where Wubi is extracted. That way, the installer doesn’t need to download it every time you run it.
• You can force Wubi to use a 32-bit verison of Ubuntu if you follow the previous step
• All you need is 256MB of RAM and an 1GHz or faster Intel/AMD processor is recommended for optimal performance. Installation requires 5GB. Bought your computer within the past 3 years? You should be fine.