Going Linux · Burn A Linux LiveCD

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Practical Information for Using Linux To Get Things Done

Burn A Linux LiveCD From Windows Or Linux

When you want to switch your from Windows or Mac to Linux, the first step is to obtain a copy of Linux on a CD. (See our tutorial on the second step: How to install Linux.) You can order an installation disk from many Linux distributors. Many will charge a normal fee, and mail you a copy. There is, however an alternative method that is much quicker -- and free. Download the distribution file from the company's website and use your CD or DVD burning software to make your own installation disc. The file you download is an image of the CD in a file format (.iso) designed for easy download. You will need to use CD/DVD authoring software to create an installation disk from the ISO file.

The screencast, below, shows exactly how to burn an Ubuntu 9.04 CD from an ISO image using:

Windows 2000 and Adaptec's Easy CD Creator 4 software on an old IBM ThinkPad T21 notebook
Ubuntu 8.10 and Brasero Disc Burner software on an IBM ThinkPad T41 notebook
Ubuntu 9.04 and K3B CD and DVD Kreator software on an HP G60 notebook

If you have only a Windows PC, unless your computer manufacturer bundled CD burning software with your computer, you will not be able to burn usable copies of ISO image files. You will either need to purchase software such as Roxio or Nero, or download the free utility ISO Recorder from Alex Feinman. It is available for download here: http://isorecorder.alexfeinman.com/isorecorder.htm

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Click this image to start the tutorial:
(For higher quality video see our screencasts page.)

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