Dual Booting Ubuntu on Your Windows 7 Ultrabook

Ubuntu is one of the best choices for a worry-free operating system. It is open source, and there are literally applications for everything you could ever want to do. Think of it like an iPhone without the need to pay for things. Also, there are no viruses to worry about. This is the number one reason to use Ubuntu over the standard Win7 interface. If you are thinking of purchasing a Windows 7 Ultrabook with a Newegg coupon or from your local Best Buy store, Ubuntu should be your very next move.

Once you have loaded your Ultrabook and connected to the Internet, you're ready to go. Follow these steps to break free from Win 7.

1. Log into Ubuntu website at http://www.ubuntu.com/

This is the only place to go to get the Ubuntu download. Ubuntu is completely free. If you have come across Ubuntu on a Warez or file sharing site that wants you to purchase access, don't do it. Get the safe Ubuntu download directly from the source.

2. Once you've made it to the Ubuntu site, click on the "Downloads" tag in the navigation bar at the top of the screen.


3. The next screen will give you the option to choose a server, desktop or cloud version. Choose the "Desktop Version" tab; it is the compatible version for Ultrabooks.

4. At the top of the page, you can choose either the 32-bit or 64-bit version. For the Ultrabook, choose the 64-bit version, then click the "Download Windows Installer."

5. Save the wubi.exe file directly to your desktop. It will come from the ubuntu.virginmedia.com site. If this isn't the path that comes up, abort the connection because you have been redirected to an unauthorized site.

6. Once the download has completed, click on the Ubuntu icon on the desktop and choose run.

7. The interface will open and allow you to choose the size of memory for your dual-boot -- you can max this out at 30 GB.

8. Also, choose a user name and password and then click install. Depending on the size of your memory allocation and the speed of your processor, this could take several minutes.

9. When the set-up wizard finishes reboot your Windows 7 Ultrabook.

10. The Ubuntu splash screen will load after the reboot. This is normal as it is finishing the installation. This is the only time the splash screen will come up after a reboot.

11. Each time you restart or reboot the computer you will have the choice to load the computer in Windows 7 or Ubuntu.

That's it, you're done. You now have one of the most cost effective, worry-free operating systems on the planet in one of the sleekest, lightest portable computing systems you can buy. It also isn't bogged down with trail ware or unnecessary background programs so it will load up fast. You'll never have to worry about viruses or your system not being compatible with existing hardware. The global team of experts, who build and maintain Ubuntu, update and test the system daily.

About the Author

Ken Sleight is a freelancer specializing in new technology. He is currently working in the arena of Social CRM. If you are looking for in-depth reporting and analysis, he can be contacted through Mosaic Writing Group {tsasal@aol.com}.