Installing Ubuntu Alongside Windows

For those of you who don't know, Ubuntu is a Linux and Debian based operating system, and it's free. It's great for those of you who don't have Microsoft Windows or can't afford it, and there's loads of great programs for it. It's a lot faster than Windows and its easily customiseable and you can effectively program it how you like. Most of the programs are open source, too. Ubuntu is owned and created by Canonical.

Okay, start by going to the Ubuntu dowload page here. Scroll down and click on the link to the windows installer.

Now, you should be at the download page for the Windows installer - you should choose which version you want to install. 12.10 is more updated, whereas 12.04 is more stable and has long term support from Canonical. I use 12.04, since it seems to be less buggy than when I tried 12.10.

Once you've downloaded the installer, follow the steps until Ubuntu installs. Restart your computer, and when the screen comes up with 'Windows (version)' or 'Ubuntu' select Ubuntu, and log in with the details you chose to use at the installation stage. You're now using the Ubuntu operating system, well, via Windows. There's loads of forums and community support so any problems you have, just do a bit of googling. Enjoy your fresh new operating system!