Member Avatar for alaa sam

hi everyone i'm new to unix/linux . almost know nothing about it , but i wants to learn about it . so how can i get it on my pc . now i use windows xp

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A concise, practical plan that pulls together the helpful suggestions already posted by , , , , and .

Start by trying Linux without touching the Windows XP install. The least risky route is to run distributions in a virtual machine or boot a "live" session from removable media to test hardware. For VMs give a modern desktop at least 1 GB of RAM (more if available) and 10-20 GB disk; for very old PCs use a live CD/USB so the real hardware is exercised. Confirm networking, audio, display and Wi‑Fi in the live session before changing partitions.

If a permanent install is wanted, follow a safe sequence: back up everything and create Windows recovery media; record the current partition layout; shrink the Windows partition (Windows tools or a live partitioner) and leave space for Linux. The installer will create root and swap partitions and will write a bootloader (GRUB) so both OSes can be chosen at boot. On XP-era machines the system will typically use legacy BIOS/MBR — verify boot mode before installing if uncertain.

Pick a distro that matches the machine. Older hardware benefits from lightweight desktops (Xfce, LXDE/LXQt) or very small distributions; for a familiar, fuller desktop choose a midweight spin. When hardware issues appear in the live session, try a wired connection, check the "additional drivers"/firmware options, and use common boot options such as nomodeset for graphics problems. If a device still fails, searching the model name plus "linux" usually surfaces the relevant driver or workaround.

Following the trial-then-install path recommended by , and minimizes risk; once the live/VM tests show the needed hardware works, a dual-boot or full install (the route described) becomes straightforward. Keep a current backup until fully comfortable with the new system.

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Member Avatar for JavaDad

I know there are some distributions that allow to you to run Linux as an application in Windows. In other words, you can try out the OS and it's features without having to install it. If you decide you like it, then you can install it in place of Windows or possibly try a dual boot solution so you can have both OS's. Check out this site to start:

There are tons of sites out there about Linux and the different distros that are available. If your system meets the minimum requirements for Windows XP, then there will be no problem installing Linux if you decide to.

commented: thanks a lot i will try it +1
Member Avatar for premieresd

i guess you can

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Edited by premieresd because: n/a
Member Avatar for alaa sam

thanks a lot for your attention

Member Avatar for The Mad Hatter

hi everyone i'm new to unix/linux . almost know nothing about it , but i wants to learn about it . so how can i get it on my pc . now i use windows xp

I strongly recommend checking out . It has links to all of the popular Linux distributions, and many of the lesser known ones.

Most distros come in Live CD/DVD format now, so you can check it out, without the need to install anything, by booting off the optical drive. If your computer supports booting from a USB key, some distros can also boot that way. This is what I did, till I found one that would support my hardware (this probably won't be an issue today, four years ago things were different). FYI, I've been Windows free for four years now.

Generally driver support with Linux is better than driver support for Windows. Note that I said generally, there are pieces of hardware with no support, though they tend to be odd things. For example all modern Linux distros work fine with all of the hardware on my MacBook (which is 4 months old). Older hardware can be an issue sometimes.

I don't know whether your interest in Linux is switching, or just learning. If it's switching, you'll have an easier time of it than I did.

FYI, my computer experiences predate the existence of Microsoft. I've never been all that impressed by them, going back to DOS 1.0.

Member Avatar for nonshatter

If your using a virtual machine, I'd use Orcale VirtualBox instead of VMWare - I think it's far better!

Member Avatar for alaa sam

thanks to everyone i'll consider everything you said

Member Avatar for ThisOldMan

Of course, you can get Linux on your pc. I use Ubuntu. Ubuntu has got a gui very close to Windows and there is good community support. You can install Ubuntu side by side with Windows.

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