Getting started with Linux

[nagantman]

Hey I have just joined the forum. I have always been interested in Linux. While chatting with a fellow from the IT department at the school I go to about it, he had said my very old desktop would be perfect for getting started with Linux, Ubuntu specifically. My desktop runs Windows XP, 1 core processor, 1 gigabyte of ram, 37 Gigabyte Hard Drive. I want to create a partition 8 Gigabytes in size, mainly to play around with and get use to Ubuntu. I already have burned Ubuntu 12.04 to a CD. So i'm curious if I can even create a partition using XP, any help is greatly appreciated thank you.

 

[skittle]

you may have a better time using xubuntu instead of plain ubuntu on your old computer, as it is lighter on the hardware.

Boot the ubuntu or xubuntu live cd (you dont need to install anything, it can run right from the cd), then using the program Gparted, you can resize and create new partitions.
Don't bother trying to resize partitions from XP

then if you want to install, follow these directions
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/GraphicalInstall

 

[nagantman]

Okay, currently trying to boot from the cd, it has been loading for quite awhile now should I just keep waiting?

 

[nagantman]

Alright here is my main issue. After loading up GParted, the biggest partition I can make is 7 Megabytes? Yet I have much more free space available on my hard drive.

 

[skittle]

you need to first shrink the partition, then in the 'unallocated space' create a new partition.

http://www.liberiangeek.net/2012/01/shrink-resize-ubuntu-hard-disk-with-gparted/

 

[nagantman]

Best answer selected by nagantman.