Switching from Windows XP to Ubuntu

manutd4life

I hope I have put this in the right forum.

Anyway, with Windows XP not being supported by Microsoft from tomorrow onwards, I thought I would change the desktop computer (used by my mam and dad) to Ubuntu.

I have read how to do this and I would be confident that I would be able to. The only question I have about this is the need to burn the ISO file onto a disc. Because the desktop we have at home is quite old it can't burn CD's or DVD's so I can't use that to burn the file. My laptop however is able to do that. My laptop runs Vista and I'd prefer to keep it as I don't have any problem with it.

Could I download everything on my laptop and burn it onto a disc using my laptop and then install the disc on the desktop without my laptop losing Vista?

Dravokivich

Yes.

Downloading it and burning it to a cd/dvd changes nothing on your laptop.

garyegt

yes. all you are doing is burning a cd, it doesnt matter whats on it, just dont start up your computer with the disk in it.

PropJoe10

If you have a USB drive that has more than 2GB capacity, burn the Ubuntu image onto it using this and boot to the USB rather than the CD drive.

http://rufus.akeo.ie/

Recoil12

Did you know there is a windows installer with a graphical interface that will do most of the work for you?
Download:http://www.ubuntu.com/download/desktop/windows-installer

It's as easy as installing any other software.

PropJoe10

Recoil12 wrote: »

Did you know there is a windows installer with a graphical interface that will do most of the work for you?
Download:http://www.ubuntu.com/download/desktop/windows-installer

It's as easy as installing any other software.

Thats only to be used for Ubuntu 12.04 LTS and isnt generally the advised way to install Ubuntu. Especially seeing as the OP seems to want to do a clean install and get rid of XP (or so I assumed).

riclad

http://www.imgburn.com/index.php?act=Download
use this to burn image file, at 2x speed.
burn iso file to a cd ,get ubuntu 32bit version,
if pc has less than 4gig ram.

PrzemoF

Recoil12 wrote: »

Did you know there is a windows installer with a graphical interface that will do most of the work for you?
Download:http://www.ubuntu.com/download/desktop/windows-installer

It's as easy as installing any other software.

Wubi is supposed to install ubuntu under windows, so it's not any good for migration from windows xp. Correct me please if I'm wrong.

Native ubuntu installer is dead simple especially if you want to wipe out existing system. The hardest part is to find yourself on the world map to pick correct time zone

riclad

BACKUP ,your music ,data, as a full install will make a new partition ,
and likely wipe out the old data, windows folders.
UNLESS you choose to do a dual boot linux install.

PropJoe10

PrzemoF wrote: »

Wubi is supposed to install ubuntu under windows, so it's not any good for migration from windows xp. Correct me please if I'm wrong.

Native ubuntu installer is dead simple especially if you want to wipe out existing system. The hardest part is to find yourself on the world map to pick correct time zone

Even if you want to keep your previous OS and set up a dual boot, the native installer will also do that for you. There is no need to use Wubi at all really. All you need to be able to do is create a bootable USB and boot into it.

riclad

http://seogadget.com/the-ubuntu-installation-guide/
i think its easier make a linux live cd,
boot from cd,
Click install ububtu icon on the desktop.
rather than usb install option, if you are a beginner , 1st time linux user.
its not just a matter of copying a file to a usb drive.
most 32bit version fit on a cdr disk, 650meg iso file size,approx.

long_b

If it's a really old PC I'd recommend having some fun and trying Ubuntu from a Live CD and then maybe Lubuntu (which is basically Ubuntu without some graphical bells and whistles)

See which one runs better for you.

Also check that your network card , wireless (of you have it) and speakers work OK.

Sounds like hassle but some people find it to be fun

whizbang

Don't give up on XP yet. Its not going to disappear.

use a cd version, and don't install on your hard disk unless your very happy.

riclad

IF you use the pc for shopping online,banking online,
you are Vunerable to having personal account,; info,credit card info, financial data stolen ,
acessed by malware , spyware ,
as soon microsoft will stop providing support , and security updates, to ordinary users.
SO a windows xp pc, online is like having a car that cannot be locked .

OF course millions of people will still use it,
it,ll be just very risky to use it online.

Mr. G

Don't use Internet Explorer whatever you do.

riclad

http://www.linuxmint.com/edition.php?id=38

this is a 2010 version of mint linux, a version of ubuntu,
Fits on 1 cdr disk.
MINT IS Similar to windows at least in menu layout.
BURN ISO to cdr,use burn image mode.

PropJoe10

That hasnt been supported since 2010, I wouldnt advise you to be installing that.

BionicRasher

Just tried to install Linux Mint to dual boot on a laptop that was dog slow with Windows 7 (upgraded from XP) and it has not gone well
It's wiped out the OS completely so will not boot into Mint or win7

Ah well..... Back to the drawing board!
At least I have a genuine copy of win7 that I can try to reinstall and start again.

Moral of the story... Be careful with installs of Linux or any other os. Make sure you back up your data first

tommer

Hi my laptop runs on vista will it be affected by microsoft not covering xp thi may be a silly question but i not computer wizard, thanks

bonzodog2

tommer wrote: »

Hi my laptop runs on vista will it be affected by microsoft not covering xp thi may be a silly question but i not computer wizard, thanks

You'll be OK for a while with Vista. Keep it updated and get 1 good free AV, latest versions of Flash,Java,Adobe reader etc if you use them.

EDIT:
April 11, 2017 for Vista
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-ie/windows/lifecycle

tommer

Thanks for that info may start saving

yeppydeppy

OP - if you and your parents are not competent computer users I wouldn't advise installing ubuntu - it's no where near as user friendly as windows. You need to know how to get around ubuntu and run installs from the terminal as root / admin users.
Ubuntu sounds great and probably is for those who are into it but if all you want to do is browse the internet I'd say stay with XP. Just because Microsoft support ends from today doesn't mean it's vulnerable straight away - your home PC will be quite secure as long as you have a good antivirus (I'd suggest microsoft security essentials or avast) and a good anti malware (malwarebytes).
If you're really worried buy windows 7 and install that - I'd recommend a fresh install not an upgrade from XP or else consider a chrome book. It has the android OS which is much more point and click.

PrzemoF

yeppydeppy wrote: »

OP - if you and your parents are not competent computer users I wouldn't advise installing ubuntu - it's no where near as user friendly as windows. You need to know how to get around ubuntu and run installs from the terminal as root / admin users.
[..]

Reality check - no, it's simply not true. I have 2 users (ubuntu/mint) who are not aware that command line exists. Last time I had to do some support was about a year ago, maybe more. They even do release upgrade without my help (clicking "install upgrade" is not that hard).

long_b

yeppydeppy wrote: »

but if all you want to do is browse the internet I'd say stay with XP

That's exactly what most experts are telling people NOT to do.

Any Ubunutu install will get you online super easily.
Plus you can try it with absolutely no risk, without installing anything. if you run it from the CD drive.

See here
http://www.ubuntu.com/download/desktop/try-ubuntu-before-you-install

PropJoe10

yeppydeppy wrote: »

OP - if you and your parents are not competent computer users I wouldn't advise installing ubuntu - it's no where near as user friendly as windows. You need to know how to get around ubuntu and run installs from the terminal as root / admin users.
Ubuntu sounds great and probably is for those who are into it but if all you want to do is browse the internet I'd say stay with XP. Just because Microsoft support ends from today doesn't mean it's vulnerable straight away - your home PC will be quite secure as long as you have a good antivirus (I'd suggest microsoft security essentials or avast) and a good anti malware (malwarebytes)..

I'd have to disagree with pretty much everything you've said there. You dont have to go anywhere near the command line these days with Ubuntu, and saying that XP will be secure with a good antivirus is also well wide of the mark.

Tokyo

yeppydeppy wrote: »

OP - if you and your parents are not competent computer users I wouldn't advise installing ubuntu - it's no where near as user friendly as windows. You need to know how to get around ubuntu and run installs from the terminal as root / admin users.
Ubuntu sounds great and probably is for those who are into it but if all you want to do is browse the internet I'd say stay with XP. Just because Microsoft support ends from today doesn't mean it's vulnerable straight away - your home PC will be quite secure as long as you have a good antivirus (I'd suggest microsoft security essentials or avast) and a good anti malware (malwarebytes).
If you're really worried buy windows 7 and install that - I'd recommend a fresh install not an upgrade from XP or else consider a chrome book. It has the android OS which is much more point and click.

Ubuntu is about as point and click as it gets these days... Have been giving serious thought of installing it on the parents computer in place of windows because I reckon they'll find it easier to use....

yeppydeppy

I tried it running from a CD last week and it wasn't simple to install adobe flash player - there was no download and double click to install?
Am I missing something?

long_b

yeppydeppy wrote: »

I tried it running from a CD last week and it wasn't simple to install adobe flash player - there was no download and double click to install?
Am I missing something?

Did you try looking in the Ubuntu Software Centre that comes out-of-the-box ?

http://www.ubuntu.com/desktop/features/web-browsing

Also available in the Ubuntu Software Centre:


Adobe Flash Player

Adobe Flash is a multimedia platform used to add animation, video, and interactivity to web pages.

yeppydeppy

I went to the adobe site and downloaded there - the instructions were unpack, open terminal, run as root and so on - I couldn't be bothered.
Google it, download it and install it - that's what most non tech users want - they don't want to have to read a readme file or follow instructions.

long_b

yeppydeppy wrote: »

.
Google it, download it and install it - that's what most non tech users want - they don't want to have to read a readme file or follow instructions.

.. which is exactly why it's available from the Ubuntu Software Centre.

tomdempsey200

won't Windows xp still be safe

if you have latest antivirus,malware and firewall?

no?

PropJoe10

tomdempsey200 wrote: »

won't Windows xp still be safe

if you have latest antivirus,malware and firewall?

no?

No. Keeping your applications up to date is important, but they will only protect you to a certain extent, if the actual operating system is vulnerable, which Windows XP will be in a month or so. I would honestly not advise people to continue using Windows XP for more than another month or so. I dont wish to scare you, but I would not be doing any internet banking or anything like that on Windows XP anymore.

PrzemoF

yeppydeppy wrote: »

I went to the adobe site and downloaded there - the instructions were unpack, open terminal, run as root and so on - I couldn't be bothered.
Google it, download it and install it - that's what most non tech users want - they don't want to have to read a readme file or follow instructions.

1. We're talking about a dying proprietary technology that is not properly supported by it's producer.
2. Yes, it's point & click: https://help.ubuntu.com/community/RestrictedFormats/Flash

You should switch from windows approach "I have to get it somewhere from the net" to linux approach "check the main software repository first - someone probably had the same problem as me and already solved it"

riclad

I Downloaded mint 16 the latest version,it comes with vlc player,video ,music player,
firefox browser.
The only thing i needed to install ,from menu, software manager, is chromium browser,
linux version of chrome.

THIS takes about 5 clicks, after put in user password to give permission to install program.
NO NEED to go to terminal ,or use sudo apt get command.
MOST software is avaidable on the software manager,
without going near terminal mode.
Hackers will be able to get acess to pcs, user info,
credit card info etc bank account info.IF YOU USE WINXP PC , for online banking,
or login just to check bank balance.
OR to buy anything online.

A Good antivirus and firewall, is needed but it wont stop malware or hackers ,
from taking over an old os thats not updated or has many vunerabilitys.

Ctrl Alt Del

Hi,

Reading trough the posts here...and ..wondering how many times i had to call Microsoft for Support or Updates on Windows XP !! (which we all know that somehow it is compromised by NSA) and easy to hack by the hacking community)but, hey ,is working fine and we know it...

Today,im going to review all my personal items that are of support / warranty with my supplier and can affect my life style :

-My TV is out of warranty , 3 years old.I'm calling Panasonic to see if is safe to use it due to "new" 220V power lines,new TV channels and the risk of getting hand sick from using remote control too often rather than touch screen or voice controls;

-My car is way out of support with supplier...I'll advise my wife to get a loan and buy a new one,latest edition as that will give her peace of mind when driving along the arses on M50 and ..make the bankers so fcukign happy when payment with interest done every month !

-my phone is getting older and supplier(s) the software and the shop are pushing me to upgrade to latest edition but...my phone works fine,why do i have to change it !?? Is a smart phone ,i can read news,emails and send/receive txt and im happy that i can make calls...to another people with maybe older phones !

-also,my PC is getting older and i've been advised to upgrade to latest unknown never used before OS but... online free of charge / take it as it is support for is coming as one way to get from start to finish but done in thousands of ways !!!

That's my today's view of this whole thing ,pushed by someone that has a well defined hidden agenda.
Suppliers have to listen to market,consumers,those that are paying for they products and/or services !
As well,people cant stop the progress,we have to move forward,from Win95 to Win8.X
So,where is the compromise,on which side on what product !?

Regards

GarIT

I have said this in other threads and repeat it here. If you wish to continue to use XP go ahead but when using it to be safe assume that as soon as you connect to the internet (and I don't mean open websites, I mean connect your computer to your router) your screen is being watched and that all your files are being copied. It's not likely to happen but it can, it just depends on if you get targeted or not, you won't know if it is happening and there is no security in existence that can make XP secure.

Also don't listen to that grand until next month sh!te, every month microsoft releases security updates for windows, if I released a vulnerability in XP last month microsoft would have fixed it in yesterdays update but that was the last update. If a security hole is found in XP today there will never be an update to fix it.

GarIT

riclad wrote: »

chromium browser,
linux version of chrome.

The Chromium browser is not a linux version of chrome. Chromium works on most operating systems, and is the browser that Chrome is based on, Chrome is Chromium but modified by google to add features and add tracking.

beauf

Ctrl Alt Del wrote: »

...Today,im going to review all my personal items that are of support / warranty with my supplier and can affect my life style :...

Consider how many of them last until they are 13 yrs...

Ctrl Alt Del

beauf wrote: »

Consider how many of them last until they are 13 yrs...

I love saying that is not the age,but rather the mileage !

beauf

There old pilots and wild pilots. But few old and wild pilots.

PrzemoF

Ctrl Alt Del wrote: »

[..]
-My car is way out of support with supplier...I'll advise my wife to get a loan and buy a new one,latest edition as that will give her peace of mind when driving along the arses on M50 and ..make the bankers so fcukign happy when payment with interest done every month !
[..]

Would you drive your car if you knew that it might start vocally abusing pedestrians? :eek: That's exactly the case when your PC is a spam sending zombie and it might happen if you keep using XP.

riclad

NO ones gonna hack into your car, and get your financial info,read all your email,
s ,copy your photos, and acess your bank account ,credit card account.
USING xp pc to bank online now,or buy anything online now, is very risky and foolish.

The best case is your pc will be used to host malware, and used as part of a bot network ,to attack other websites, even if you do not use it for banking online,or online shopping.
And of course any facebook, info, or im message is being copied, including private messages .

ITS like leaving a car parked on the street unlocked,in the city centre for 1 month, at some point it,ll be robbed or vandalised

Ste-

riclad wrote: »

ITS like leaving a car parked on the street unlocked,in the city centre , at some point it,ll be robbed or vandalised.

Like leaving your car with personal info in it.

The Black Oil

I've a family friend in her 60s and who isn't very technical, but can manage a little bit of email/surfing/documents. Her laptop is Philips Freevent - I don't have the exact model or spec to hand. Anyway, it's XP and fairly old, plus the battery appears to be gone as the machine conks out once you remove the mains. She doesn't have a need to use it outside of her apartment.

Solution is either a new basic-middle of the road laptop with Windows 8. A few hundred Euro would probably get her a decent one. But I think the leap from XP to 8 might be a little tricky for her. Were Win 7 laptops still around I'd probably pick one for her.

Or else some sort of Linux solution. I've never used it myself and know almost nothing about it. Reading some of the XP threads here might this might be an idea - Mint? Obviously I'd back up her data before doing anything, if this is a viable alternative. She currently uses Outlook Express for email - I presume there is something that can work as a client on Linux, and printer drivers - are they easily found?

Any thoughts?

riclad

MAYBE buy her a windows 7 laptop, 150 euro on adverts.ie ,
backup her data to the win7 laptop.
Then remove all personal info,files, from old laptop.

http://lifehacker.com/5871840/the-best-email-client-for-linux

so far i,ve never had a problem getting linux to work on any device.

I Do,nt know why anyone not running a business needs an email client.
Switch her over to gmail, webmail.
make sure banking info, login passwords, email passwords ,or not still set to
auto login in the browsers ,chrome, firefox etc on the laptop before you sell it.

ALL laptop batterys stop working after a few years.

Tokyo

Philips Freevent, it's at least six years old, perhaps older, and with a knackered battery, it may well be time to consider upgrading - either picking up something secondhand or buying something new. For her level of use, a few hundred euro will certainly cover something that she needs - as has been suggested, there are some cheap secondhand options online.

If you go down the route of Linux Mint, then out of the box it will do almost everything that your friend requires - it comes with Firefox and libOffice pre-installed, and you can download a copy of thunderbird to replace Outlook Express on her Windows machine. Yes there are webmail alternatives, but if she's comfortable with a mail client then there's no reason for her to change. Just remember to export all of her old mails and contacts from outlook before formatting, so that they can be imported to thunderbird afterwards.

One recommendation would be to download a copy of Linux Mint, make a bootable USB key, bring it round to your friend's place and run it from the key. She can play around with it for a bit and see if she's comfortable with it, before deciding to install it or not.

The Black Oil

Thanks both.

mike_ie wrote: »

One recommendation would be to download a copy of Linux Mint, make a bootable USB key, bring it round to your friend's place and run it from the key. She can play around with it for a bit and see if she's comfortable with it, before deciding to install it or not.

I could do that myself and see what it's like. Which one is suitable to put on a key?

long_b

The Black Oil wrote: »

Thanks both.



I could do that myself and see what it's like. Which one is suitable to put on a key?

Either MATE or Cinnamon 32bit.
Very little difference between them.

Tokyo

Doesn't get much more straightforward than the instructions laid out here:
http://www.computersnyou.com/2803/2013/12/create-bootable-live-usb-linux-mint-16-petra-windows-linux-mac/


[edit]As has been already mentioned the 32bit version of MATE or Cinnamon. They're just two different desktop environments. Personally I think that the layout of cinnamon will be pretty clear to a Windows user.

PropJoe10

The Black Oil wrote: »

I've a family friend in her 60s and who isn't very technical, but can manage a little bit of email/surfing/documents. Her laptop is Philips Freevent - I don't have the exact model or spec to hand. Anyway, it's XP and fairly old, plus the battery appears to be gone as the machine conks out once you remove the mains. She doesn't have a need to use it outside of her apartment.

Solution is either a new basic-middle of the road laptop with Windows 8. A few hundred Euro would probably get her a decent one. But I think the leap from XP to 8 might be a little tricky for her. Were Win 7 laptops still around I'd probably pick one for her.

Or else some sort of Linux solution. I've never used it myself and know almost nothing about it. Reading some of the XP threads here might this might be an idea - Mint? Obviously I'd back up her data before doing anything, if this is a viable alternative. She currently uses Outlook Express for email - I presume there is something that can work as a client on Linux, and printer drivers - are they easily found?

Any thoughts?

I'm personally a big fan of Linux but just on one thing you said there - there is no need to be scared of Windows 8 at all, especially 8.1. You can boot straight to desktop and can also use the likes of Classic Shell to make it look like 7 or XP. I use Windows 8 with Classic Shell and havent seen the metro desktop in months.

beauf

The Black Oil wrote: »

I....But I think the leap from XP to 8 might be a little tricky for her. ...

Install Classic Shell on Windows 8 (or similar) which turns off metro GUI, and 99% of users couldn't tell the difference between XP and Windows 8. Its the same GUI underneath. Takes 20sec.