In order try out Ubuntu Linux you first need to obtain Ubuntu Linux. There are two ways to do this. One option is to have Ubuntu Linux shipped to you via the [https://shipit.ubuntu.com/ Ubuntu ShipIt] program. Whilst this sounds like a great way to get Ubuntu there are a few downsides. Firstly, it can take up to 10 weeks for the CDs to arrive. Secondly, the shipment usually consists of multiple copies of the CDs so unless you have a group of people who would also like to try out Ubuntu you are going to end up with a number of CDs that are only good as non-absorbent beer mats.

In order try out Ubuntu Linux you first need to obtain Ubuntu Linux. There are two ways to do this. One option is to have Ubuntu Linux shipped to you via the [https://shipit.ubuntu.com/ Ubuntu ShipIt] program. Whilst this sounds like a great way to get Ubuntu there are a few downsides. Firstly, it can take up to 10 weeks for the CDs to arrive. Secondly, the shipment usually consists of multiple copies of the CDs so unless you have a group of people who would also like to try out Ubuntu you are going to end up with a number of CDs that are only good as non-absorbent beer mats. Finally, the version of Ubuntu provided by the ShipIt program is no longer the latest version.

By far the best way to obtain Ubuntu is to [http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu/download download it] and burn your own CDs or DVDs.

By far the best way to obtain Ubuntu is to [http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu/download download it] and burn your own CD or DVD.

Once you have the Ubuntu CD you are ready to start. There are a number of options that are available to you.

Once you have the Ubuntu CD you are ready to start. There are a number of options that are available to you.

A recent development in the world of Ubuntu provides the ability to install Ubuntu onto the filesystem of an existing Windows installation. This is similar to the dual booting approach outlined above with the exception that the hard disk does not need to be repartitioned to create Linux partitions for the Ubuntu installation. Instead, all the files which make up Ubuntu are installed in a new folder on the Windows disk just like any other files. All that is required is enough disk space on a Windows disk drive to accommodate the Ubuntu installation (around 8GB is recommended).

A recent development in the world of Ubuntu provides the ability to install Ubuntu onto the filesystem of an existing Windows installation. This is similar to the dual booting approach outlined above with the exception that the hard disk does not need to be repartitioned to create Linux partitions for the Ubuntu installation. Instead, all the files which make up Ubuntu are installed in a new folder on the Windows disk just like any other files. All that is required is enough disk space on a Windows disk drive to accommodate the Ubuntu installation (around 8GB is recommended).