Spork - Staying In - Install Ubuntu

PC hardware comes from loads of different
manufacturers. Sometimes that causes
compatibility problems

Check to see if your hardware works

So you've got shiny new CD, now what's it for? Well, it’s what Linux users call a LiveCD. It’s a CD that you can boot up the computer with, and contains a complete working version of Ubuntu. The idea is that you can try it out off the LiveCD before committing to making any changes to your machine. It'll run a lot slower off the CD than it would off your hard drive, but you can get an idea of what it'll be like. It’s also very useful for checking that your hardware works properly in Ubuntu.

To run the LiveCD you need to boot up from the CD-ROM: put the disk in and restart the computer. If it doesn't boot up into the Ubuntu menu, you'll need to change your boot settings.

At this stage you're just having a sneaky peek at what Ubuntu will be like. We'll be clicking on that “Install Ubuntu” icon later...

Zem Sez:
My computer came back to life with Ubuntu no problems. A useful little option on the menu was “check CD for defects”, as I wasn't sure what speed I'd burned the disk at. It takes a bit of time to complete, but everything was OK. Woo!
“Start or install Ubuntu” seemed to take a while but don't panic. Be patient if, like me, you haven't got much RAM.
My initial impression is that it looks nothing like Windows. I like the snazzy brown background (but hope I can change it!) I clicked on the “experience” folder as it seemed like the best thing to do and found an interview with Nelson Mandela! Ha ha!
It's nice being able to have a play. It seems to have pretty much everything; Office, GIMP, movies and stuff as it says on the oo-presenting-ubuntu.dop slide show and the welcome file. The thing I seem to notice is how clean Ubuntu seems. It just seems very crisp and easy on the eye. I like it so even though i'm doing this install for this article I think i'll keep it after i'm done.