Operating System Help?

[johnhalo]

Hi everyone, I am building a new computer and have my components all set up and its going to be about $800
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/ff13

I'm not going to be buying an operating system (to save money) but I need help figuring out how to make a computer work without an OS CD. I have a copy of Win7 & Zorin OS on a USB flashdrive with unetbootin. I need some help figuring it out. If I have these things on the USB, can I just plug it into my new build and it will start up the OS installation? Long story short, how can I install an operating system into a bare computer from a USB flash drive. If I must I can get a DVD. Thanks everyone, need all the assistance you can give me.

 

[obsama1]

Yup, just set the USB as 1st boot priority in the BIOS.

 

[Inductor]

For Zorin you can read this guide http://zorin-os.com/installguide.html

As for Win7, I have done it different ways. Install a repair or back up copy from a burned image in a CD. Basically you just insert the CD then press F8 or whatever key takes you to the boot menu and choose to boot from your CD.

Like obsama1 said, you pretty much just boot from your USB drive. I have never done that but if you have trouble you can read this guide http://www.intowindows.com/how-to-install-windows-7vista-from-usb-drive-detailed-100-working-guide/

I hope it works!

 

[johnhalo]

Yup, just set the USB as 1st boot priority in the BIOS.

So unetbootin will be sufficient? Will it be on my system permanently w/o the USB still plugged in? Also, while I have you here, how can I partition a hard drive? I want to have Win7 as my main and test out Linux and I've heard the only way to have 2 operating systems is to partition a HDD, and I don't know how. And thanks alot obasma, youve been a great help to my computing endeavors ! I'll definitely get back to you on how it goes :I. Could I possibly get your email or something? In case I need more assistance? Thanks alot c:

 

[Inductor]

You can use this tool to partition in Win7 http://www.partition-tool.com/personal.htm

If you choose to do it manually just press windows key+R then type diskmgmt.msc then you have access to the manager. It is the same for Vista and WinXP

Here are more in depth instructions http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/magazine/gg309170.aspx