Took the plunge...

[Markeh]

I've finally decided to try Linux. I've downloaded a copy of the latest DSL embedded running in Qemu. Yes, I may only be running it inside a VERY SLOW XP machine (AMD Sempron 2400+, 256Mb RAM, using it all when IDLING.), and it's about the same speed as my XP install (the DSL is using 128Mb RAM).

I'm very impressed, and am quite tempted to try an old version of Ubuntu on my spare Pentium III (once I get it down from the loft).

[Flisker]

I'd recommend trying Fedora or CentOS.

[Recursion]

I would recommend Ubuntu 9.10 actually, nice and easy to use (Ubuntu is also quite friendly on system specs)

[HotelUser]

I second that for Ubuntu 9. If I wasn't running OS X I would be using Ubuntu 9 as my main OS

[Markeh]

I have some time today, and I'm going to download Ubuntu and run it through VirtualBox on my main rig.

[Markeh]

Sorry for double post, but I need help

I'm installing Ubuntu 9.10 on my laptop via VirtualBox.

I'm at step 6, ready to install. It says its formatting 2 partitions. One of these (Partition #1 of SCSI1 (0,0,0)(sda) as ext4) will be the .vdi file. Whats the other one? (partition #5 of SCSI1 (0,0,0)(sda) as swap)

[Flisker]

Probably the boot sector for it.

[Markeh]

it won't format my own hard disk, will it?

(That is a bit of a nooby question, but I want to be sure.)

[Flisker]

Oh wait I read it properly and it said "as swap" so it is using that as swap memory between the RAM and HDD I believe. It won't format your hard drive otherwise you won't be able to install it on Virtual Box.

[Markeh]

right, I'll carry on installing it then. Thanks.