You can burn the Ubuntu to a disk, or memorystick, etc. For your reassurance, you can have someone more computer literate help you but the operating system, when installed basically guides you.
Crudely speaking, the choices offered are this:
1) You can run Ubuntu Linux from a CD to see if you like it. This is called a "live CD" trial but since it bypasses the hard drive will run slower. It gives you a feel for the operating system, but when the computer is turned off, nothing you done in Ubuntu will be remembered. It will revert to Microsoft and won't harm it.
2) You can set it up as a "dual boot" allowing EITHER of the two operating systems to be selected from a little menu that pops up at the start.
3) You can tell the installation to ditch the Microsoft (that's what I did) and then yes, all files will be destroyed unless you save them to disks or sticks (i.e. personal documents, excel files, pictures, videos and the like). Then simply install Ubuntu as the only operating system.
Most people are not brave enough (or in my case have a hatred enough) to completely ditch the Microsoft and opt for #2, and that's OK. In addition Ubuntu does not run Microsoft programs, but they have a repository with thousands and thousands of programs online for a free download that does the same functions. For example, they have "Libre Office" which works identical to Microsoft Word, Excel and Powerpoint for free! And Ubuntu can read a Microsoft document (e.g. a .doc file) if opened in Libre Office. But in all this, what you ulimately do is a choice you'll have to make --- Linux will not harm the Microsoft if you don't want it to.
For a touch of humor, remember those commercials with Mac Vs PC? Here's a spoof of that in this youtube video and
they boast of all the things their computers can do until..... the surprise at the end!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_h0r00ZGMU
Originally Posted by tim_from_pa
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