advice to install ubuntu on a separate disk while keeping w7

[lucchett]

I want to try ubuntu, as for the time being Im blocked by some issues with the new 1.8.4.

I need to keep my main w764 bit, installed on hhd.
I want to install ubuntu on a SSD 256GB.
what is the best way, safest for w7?
I don't want to ruin my w7 install.

I don't want dual boot to change my windows install.

my plan is to disconnect HDD1 (w7), install ubuntu in HDD2, and manage the boot sequence from bios.

Anyway, my understanding is that installing ubuntu after windows on a separate disk is completely safe because teh linux boot loader will be written on disk2 and no change would be made on the HDD! of windows.

Am I right?


Many thanks!
Andrea

[Carlos Milovic]

I think that the booter is always on the first (main) disk. Anyway, so far I have not faced any problems with a dual boot either with Win 7 or 8, and Fedora. Ubuntu should be pretty solid too.
The only guideline, as you said, is to install any linux partition after you are done with your Windows ones.

[jkmorse]

Carlos,

Can I sorta hi-jack this thread (but only for a moment).  I am trying to optimize a new system where I have 2 SSDs and 32Gb of Ram where I have built a 16GB ramdisk.  Using the Benchmark test, I get my best result just using the ramdisk and not adding in any SSD cache folders.  But the tips say I should be using at least a 60 Gb cache for efficient swapping.  How do I integrate the ramdisk and the SSD folders to get the best performance out of PI?  Or do I just go with the Benchmark results and not use any SSD swap files?

Thanks, (and sorry Andrea  )

Jim

[lucchett]

don't worry Jim,
Thank you Carlos, system installed

[avarakin]

I installed Ubuntu alongside with w7 , on the same disk, many times, never had a problem.
Keep in mind that the standard ui of Ubuntu ( unity) is very different from w7.
I would recommend to install Mate desktop environment, it is similar to w7. You can easily configure the start button in the bottom  left corner.  I  run PI on top of Ubuntu 14.04 and the system is rock solid.
PM me if you need any help

Alex

[lucchett]

Thank you Alex,
I really appreciate.
I do have a few questions and your help will certainly ease my learning curve.
Andrea