After rebooting my Laptop for Nth time, I decided to shift to Linux. So far, I have been using Linux only as server, or to do some hacking. My main work, used to be in Windows.
I was in double mind. The shift means change of the way I work. I need to learn a host of new programs to work in a new OS. This thought, kept me from the shift. More over, I was never comfortable of shifting my entire work files to a new OS.

I bought an USB Hard disk last week. With backup system in hand, I thought the time was right to give Linux a try.

Decision to shift to Linux is not a easy one. It has a problem of plenty -- too many choices; to start with it has some 30 odd "popular" Linux distriubuntu. After brief research, I zeroed on to Ubuntu. I had the CD. Every review I read, ubuntu was voted as very stable. Since I am chosing an OS for my daily work, stability was the prime focus. I do not want another "MS" like piece on my desk.

While, I made the shift, but I decided to keep the Windows - just in case...


First, I needed to backup all my files; having a blank 40GB HDD was helpful. Next, I needed to partition my disk for 2 OS; I kept 15GB for Windows and 25 for Linux. Then went on to install Windows on my first partition. Windows have a nasty was corrupting other OS, so better to install XP first. After XP is installed, I put the Ubuntu install CD and let the installer do rest. After some questions and 30 min away, Ubuntu installation was over. It gives nice initial interface.

With such huge selection of free software available, I found I need to decide what to install. Probably, I'll spend my weekend by installing new software. More on it later...