Looking to switch to Linux from Windows? Discover how to take Ubuntu for a test drive, then install it alongside your existing operating system.

T he release of any new version of Ubuntu is bound to attract potential switchers from other operating systems. The truth is, these days, installing most flavours of Linux in general – and Ubuntu in particular – is no harder than installing Windows, and in many ways it’s much easier.

Crucially, it’s also free, and unlike Windows there are several ways in which you can give Ubuntu a test-drive without committing to a full-blown install. The Ubuntu installation media doubles up as a live disc, which loads a fully functioning version of Ubuntu without touching your hard drive, giving you the chance to try out its user interface and key programs in minutes.

If you want to take it further, we recommend running it in a virtual machine – the box (overleaf) reveals how, enabling you to install and try out everything Ubuntu has to offer over an extended period. Then, once you’ve decided you’d like to run it permanently and natively on your PC, we’ll step you through the process of setting Ubuntu up alongside your existing Windows installation, so you can easily switch between the two.

Create your boot disc

First, obtain your Ubuntu installation media. Visit https://ubuntu.com/download/desktopto download the desktop version. You have a choice of two versions: choose the newer (21.04) version if you want access to the latest features and are happy with upgrading Ubuntu every six months or so; the LTS version only updates once every two years and is supported for five years as opposed to nine months for non-LTS releases.

Save the ISO file to your hard drive. It’s around 2.6GB in size, so may take a while to download (it’s on the LXFDVD too) depending on your internet speed. Once saved to your hard drive, the ISO file can now be copied to install media or used directly with VirtualBox. If you’re looking to create installation media, then the simplest option is to pop a blank DVD into your DVD writer, then right-click the ISO file and choose Burn disc image.