Im downloading ubuntu, and I want to run it alongside win7, Im downloading the latest version from the website, will it automatically download and run alongside win7, or will it overwrite it?
Thanks for any answers.
While installing, there will be 3 or 4 different options, depending on whether or not it detects another Linux distro installed. There is
- Install along side Windows/Them (referring to multiple operating systems if detected),
- Use entire disk (which will delete every thing),
- Upgrade (if another Linux/Ubuntu distro is installed), or
- Something else, which will let you manually partition the disk how you want to.
If you're installing on a large drive the preset "Install alongside Windows" is usually best. It will automatically take a small portion on what it needs, and set everything up automatically. After this, whenever you boot your computer, you will be greeted with a text menu that will give you the options to boot into Ubuntu or Windows, as well as few troubleshooting tools, such as Ubuntu fallback mode, Memtest.
If you're on a small drive, like a 60GB SSD, then "Something else" might be a better option, if you know what you're doing. This way you can control how much space Ubuntu gets, and how it uses it. You only 1 parition: a 10GB EXT4 (minimum 5GB, but I highly recommend at least 10GB). Mount point should "/". It is recommended that you have a SWAP parition, especially if you don't have a lot of RAM. Again, it's not really neccessary if you have copious amounts of RAM, like 4 or 8GB, but i would recommend at least a small one so Ubuntu can function normally, say 512MB. You plan to use hibernation, you will need a SWAP partition AT LEAST the size if your RAM, but I'd go 1.5x RAM capacity, IF you plan on using hibernation. If not, either small one like 512MB, or no SWAP at all.
Hope this was helpful and not too overwhelming.
I know this is a bit late, but thanks man!
If you are new on Linux and want to try some distros, download Virtualbox, it's free and it will allow you to run it on a VM (Virtual Machine), it is fairly easy to install and use, it won't mess at all with your current windows install and files, and even if you screw it big time inside the VM, there is no risk of losing any file outside of it.