NOTE You might notice that a 64-bit version of Ubuntu is also available for download. In my opinion, there’s no need to use this, even if you have a 64-bit-capable CPU in your computer, unless your computer has more than 4GB of RAM. The 64-bit version of Ubuntu has been known to present a handful of annoying compatibility issues that, while not show-stoppers, can make life more difficult than it needs to be.
Remember: if you intend to use Wubi, you don’t have to do this because Wubi can grab the Ubuntu installation files for you—see Within Windows (Wubi) section later in this chapter. Alternatively, instead of burning a CD, you can have a CD of Ubuntu sent to you free-of-charge by using Ubuntu’s Ship-It service. Just visit https://shipit.ubuntu.com and enter your mailing address.
TIP In fact, you can order a number of CDs thought Ship-It. This is ideal if you want to evangelize about Ubuntu and give copies to friends. Professionally-produced CDs always have more impact than a disc you’ve created yourself!
The Ship-It CD might take up to 10 weeks to reach you, however. For faster delivery, you might choose to buy a CD from the official Ubuntu shop: https://shop.canonical.com. Ubuntu CDs are also sold by a variety of retailers, including Amazon.com.
NOTE An Ubuntu DVD-ROM is also available. This contains all the available software for Ubuntu (thousands of programs!). However, in most cases the DVD is not necessary because all Ubuntu software is just a download away and most is rapidly updated after release, making the DVD go out of date quickly.
Creating an install CD
Assuming the download of the ISO image has finished, the next step is to burn it to disc, as follows:
NOTE If you intend to use the “virtual computer” method of trialing Ubuntu, there’s no need to burn a CD. Instead, skip to the Virtual Computer heading on page 15. 1.
You’ll need a computer that has either a CD-R/RW or DVDR/RW drive, a blank CD-R or CD-RW disc, and your Windows setup will need to have disc burning software installed. Applications like Nero can burn ISO file images, but if you haven’t got it, head off to http://isorecorder.alexfeinman. com and download ISO Recorder. This freeware Windows application burns CD/DVD ISO images. You’ll need to download
8 : Installing Ubuntu