This is the 2nd article in the series on the newest version of Ubuntu. Eric first mentioned using a Wubi to install Ubuntu Hardy Heron, in his post, “Ubuntu Hardy Heron 8.04 LTS Released”.
What is Wubi and Why Would I Want It?
Wubi essentially installs Ubuntu (with Hardy, the newest version now being supported) into a folder in Windows. Instead of having to repartition hard drives so that you can install Ubuntu, the Wubi allows you to install it in Windows. This is a great idea for those of you who are Windows users that want to try a fully functional version of Linux on your computer. What’s great is that it’s installed almost like a program in Windows, so if you don’t like it, you can just uninstall it like any other program. What could be easier???
A Wubi install of Ubuntu allows you to install programs, use desktop effects, connect to the internet… essentially anything you can do with a regular install.
While Wubi may be installed in Windows, you don’t actually run it from Windows. It is like an actual install of Linux in that you have to restart your computer and choose which operating system you would like to boot.
There are a few problems with a Wubi install that you should know about before you install. Because Wubi is installed within Windows, you may see a decrease in performance in both Windows and Linux after a short while. The solution is easily fixed, but can get quite annoying after a while. All you need to do is defrag your hard drive.
How Do I Install Ubuntu using a Wubi?
I actually installed a Wubi (Feisty Fawn version) last year so that I could try Ubuntu before I messed with any hard drive partitioning.
So, if you want to give Ubuntu a try without messing with partitioning, here is how to install it. All you need to have is:
- Windows 98, XP, or Vista
- 5GB of Hard Drive space
- 256mb of RAM
Now, there are two places you can get a Wubi; you can either download it (~1MB) or get it from the Hardy install CD.
If you use the install CD, all you need to do is open the CD in Windows and run the Wubi off of the CD.
If you downloaded the Wubi, just run the executable file you downloaded.
Now, after following either of those methods you should get to something that looks like this:
Just fill in the information in this window and click the Install button to begin the installation. I would recommend at least 7GB of space. The time it takes for the install to complete will depend on your internet connection since Wubi downloads the Ubuntu iso (~700MB). With a standard broadband connection this will take anywhere from 1-2 hours.
When you are finished restart your computer (if it doesn’t prompt you to) and then choose Ubuntu from the boot manager.
Have fun!
For more information on Wubi, check out the following sites:
Wubi
Ubuntu Wiki - Wubi Guide
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Written by Michael
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