Linux within Windows 7

[DarKnight]

Hey, I just decided to move to Linux Ubuntu,but I don't want to remove windows 7 from my computer, I'd like to have them both installed on my PC and make system let me choose which OS I want to boot ,everytime I turn the computer on.

There are few questions that I'd like to get answers to
1.What software do I need to install Linux together with Windows

2.Is Ubuntu the best choice for a PC with folowing system specs:
CPU- intel celeron 2.8Ghz
Memory- DDR3, 2GB
HDD- 160GB(ATA)
32bit system

Thanks in advance!!!

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi,
All you need is Universal Linux installer to create a bootable usb device for the install
Personally I use mint mate 17.1 but Zorin is more like win-7

I would dual boot the old fashion way on it's own ssd or hdd not on the same disk
Why
Linux can see and access windows but not the other way around
Meaning any corruption you get in Linux will transfer to windows
Linux isn't effected by a lot of items windows is

So even transferring files is a risk for corrupting windows but then you get into accessing windows and how easy it is

I'll also say to dual boot with Linux if you have a system reserved partition and make a partition for Linux to install on it will fail
At least it did for me
I did install along side as a last resort at the time but that is for the same above reasons too close of a one sided relationship

Put each on it's own drive and be done with it No grubs to mess things up......

 

[DarKnight]

Hi,
All you need is Universal Linux installer to create a bootable usb device for the install
Personally I use mint mate 17.1 but Zorin is more like win-7

I would dual boot the old fashion way on it's own ssd or hdd not on the same disk
Why
Linux can see and access windows but not the other way around
Meaning any corruption you get in Linux will transfer to windows
Linux isn't effected by a lot of items windows is

So even transferring files is a risk for corrupting windows but then you get into accessing windows and how easy it is

I'll also say to dual boot with Linux if you have a system reserved partition and make a partition for Linux to install on it will fail
At least it did for me
I did install along side as a last resort at the time but that is for the same above reasons too close of a one sided relationship

Put each on it's own drive and be done with it No grubs to mess things up......

Thanks for reply ! So,you think I should install linux mint?
I know I'm going to face some serious issues,but I'm very very curious about Linux,just wanna know what
it's like to work in Linux system
Can I make bootable usb using a software called rufus?

 

[AddRAM]

You don`t have to install Linux Mint or Zorin or Xubuntu or Ubuntu to use them, just run em off a flash drive to try them, and see if you like them.

You can use rufus or...

Universal USB Installer ? Easy as 1 2 3 | USB Pen Drive Linux

Any of the above systems will run fine with your specs, but I`d seriously replace that Celeron and put 4 GB of memory in, if possible.

 

[ThrashZone]

Mint mate is more like x-p than win-7
I'd say check out Zorin first it might be more familiar than mate
Mate is more complicated
Member whs made some videos you can watch
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/287439-emergency-kit-save-your-files-dead-os.html

Zorin has a take a tour don't forget to check out the minimum system spec's first,
Zorin OS - Home

I believe the terminal is the hardest thing to get used too
Pretty much like command prompt in windows on steroids

 

[GEWB]

Hello DK -

As above, you can try many Linux distros by booting to a live USB drive or CD without touching your hard drive.

I have been using Windows since version 286 (1988?) and various flavors of Linux since 1999 so you can take my comments or leave them...

As of today I would recommend you try Linux Mint 17.2 but the USB bootable is NOT as posted above...see this link:

How to install Linux Mint via USB - Linux Mint Community

Zorin OS is also a good entry into Linux:

Zorin OS - Home

Just remember this: Linux is NOT Windows. Linux today allows more user customization than Windows so if you don't like the default menus, trim, etc. you can change it (try that with Win10). Most Windows users have never experienced the degree of GUI customization available in many Linux distributions.

If you find a distro of Linux you want to install to your hard drive, first clean out crap you don't need then shrink your Windows partition (s) to provide around 15GB (or more) of free UNALLOCATED space.

Install your choice of Linux distribution - it will find your Windows and add a boot loader. When you boot up you get a screen to select what to boot: Linux or Windows. Couldn't be easier.

Regards,
GEWB

 

[ThrashZone]

Yep that's what I used PenDriveLinux universal usb installer to create the bootable flash media
I'll have to see if my mate updated or not to 17.2 ?

 

[DarKnight]

AddRAM
ThrashZone
GEWB
Thanks you very very much !!!
Today,I tried to install Linux Mint with an USB flash drive.
I used Universal USB Installer to make the USB drive bootable,but when I started installation process only blank page appeared.
I waited for a minutes but nothing changed...
I guess,something went wrong when I was making the flash drive bootable,maybe it was a problem with the file that I was trying to make bootable :S I'm gonna try this evening again.

If I decide to install Linux Mint Mate or Zorin OS without an original CD(I'm going to download from the official website) ,will the important drivers automatically be installed or I'll have to download them later?

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi,
Yes drivers will be installed
There's quite a few youtube videos on installing and setting up either Linux flavor
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYDdvWOzqJY

When dual booting your windows clock might be off so you might need to do this after in mint or probably Zorin too ?
Linux Mint Forums ? View topic - "Solved" Clock 6 hours advanced switching back to win-7
Open terminal and type the string in the code box,

 

[DarKnight]

Hi,
Yes drivers will be installed
There's quite a few youtube videos on installing and setting up either Linux flavor
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYDdvWOzqJY

When dual booting your windows clock might be off so you might need to do this after in mint or probably Zorin too ?
Linux Mint Forums ? View topic - "Solved" Clock 6 hours advanced switching back to win-7
Open terminal and type the string in the code box,
View attachment 369014

Thanks thanks thanks!

I used Universal USB Installer to make the USB drive bootable,but when I started installation process only blank page appeared.
I waited for a minutes but nothing changed...
I guess,something went wrong when I was making the flash drive bootable,maybe it was a problem with the file that I was trying to make bootable

What do you think of this ? Could the problem be caused by the OS image or it's something else?

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi,
From post #5 and whs's tutorial
I downloaded from James Madison University and the same utility for mint mate
So I'm not sure what happened or if you have legacy bios or uefi ?
Linux Mint 17.2 "Rafaela" - MATE (64-bit) - Linux Mint

 

[DarKnight]

Hi,
From post #5 and whs's tutorial
I downloaded from James Madison University and the same utility for mint mate
So I'm not sure what happened or if you have legacy bios or uefi ?
Linux Mint 17.2 "Rafaela" - MATE (64-bit) - Linux Mint

Thanks Thanks Thanks !!! I found it helpful

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi,
No problem whs posted it was the most reliable place to download Mate from
Not sure about Zorin ?
I haven't downloaded that one yet
Cheers.