as i see it

The first step in shifting to Ubuntu is trying the live CD version for a while. So here's small guide for first time users. The live CD version means that whenever you want to use Ubuntu you just pop in the CD and reboot the PC, you can then try out Ubuntu without affecting your computer in anyway. All you have to do is shut down, remove CD and restart comp to restore your PC to original condition and use Windows. No installation, no partitioning needed.

Step 1 Download Ubuntu 8.04 from here. download the desktop 8.04 LTS version for your PC configuration. the defaut selections on the page will mostly work for you. This version includes the Ubuntu installation + a live CD version. Next burn the downloaded iso image onto a CD using any CD writing software.
Step 2 Boot the live Ubuntu version throught the CD.
Just pop in the CD and restart your computer. It should now proceed with loading Ubuntu. If not, follow the steps below to ensure the PC boots from the Ubuntu CD and not into Windows.

How to change boot opitions ? ( you need to do this only once)
* Immediatelly on switching on the computer keep pressing the Esc button ( or
Del button on some PC's ). You'll see a boot prompt coming up.
* Look for a list in the prompt called a boot priority / boot order. Edit the list so
that your CD drive is first in the list and then your hard disc.
* Now select option Save Changes and Exit. It should now proceed to load Ubuntu.



Once Ubuntu boots you'll have a screen with options to try out live CD or install Ubuntu.
Select the first option thats "Try Ubuntu without any change to your computer".


Your done with this. Now go ahead with exploring Ubuntu.

Step 3 : Restoring your computer. Actually this might not even qualify as a step.
All you have to do is select shutdown option in Ubuntu and remove CD when its done. Its that simple.

Enjoy Ubuntu and once you are familiar you can go ahead with installing Ubuntu on your PC. That'll give you much better performance and let you personalise your Ubuntu and install other interesting software

For total newbie here are few softwares commonly used in Windows and their open source eqiuivalent you can try out in Ubuntu
Open Office Suite for Microsoft Office
Firefox browser for Internet Explorer
GIMP graphic editing s/w for Photoshop
RythmBox music player for Windows Media Player.
Archive manager for WinZip/ WinRar

Also try out interesting games and the file explorer in Ubuntu. Check out the dual desptop feature . You can decluster windows and organise your work into two seperate windows. You can shift windows using the option provided at the bottom right corner of ur desktop. Also try out the Windows+Tab shortcut to switch wondows to get a taste of the awesome UI if Ubuntu 8.04.