Leaving The Nest: From Windows To Linux

“My first error! Not so much an error as a warning, though: “You
have not selected a swap space: Doing so will improve your
computer’s function”. Well, function is important, right? Ubuntu
lets you choose how big your swap space is, something that Windows
(mis)handles for you. Well, I look at my Windows partition and
decide to take another chunk out of it… 4 GB, to be exact. That’s
pretty large for a swap file, but I didn’t want to take any
chances. I’m expecting to have to reboot twice, as I did with
Windows when I used Partition Magic. After a moment, the new
partition appeared ready to use! Well, I’ve certainly seen the
first improvement. Finally, with Swap File and Mount Point set, I
click forward. After making my user name and password, I am greeted
with my second shock: Not only does Linux realize that I have
Microsoft XP installed, but it asks me if I want to import my
Mozilla Firefox and Thunderbird settings, and if I want My
Documents / Pictures / Music / Video available to me in Linux. As
tempted as I am, I don’t select any of them. I want to do this from
the ground up. It’s amazing that the option is there, though. With
just one more click to verify, I’m installing Ubuntu proper. In the
time it took to type the previous two sentences, the installation
is 29% done. As someone who fixes his family’s computers and has
had to sit through countless XP and Vista installs, I almost shed a
tear at this point. What merciful being has allowed such a
marvelous creation?”

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