What is the best way to install Linux Ubuntu?

I am looking to install Linux on my laptop (Dell Inspiron E1705). During installation I was asked if I wanted to install it under Windows or as a stand alone. I have partitioned my hard drive so the installation as a standalone is no problem, but this is my first time attempting to work with Linux. .



Are there any other issues I might have to face, and if so what is the best way to deal with them???



Thanks in advance.What is the best way to install Linux Ubuntu?
Since you already have Windows, that's good (if you wanted to keep it). The only hard part will be identifying the new partition you want to put Linux, which is really 2-partitions, Linux wanting a swap partition. So, fire up LiveCD and use the DiskPartition to look at the partitions. Make darn sure you know which is Windows. Quit, click the Install Ubuntu icon. In less than a half hour you will have a dual boot machine. When you go Linux, Ubuntu will want to upgrade parts of the Linux.



And, u know, after a while, I formatted the whole drive, made a new 40 meg partition and made a single-boot. Never use the whole hard drive, because it forever and a day to scan the drive for file inventory.What is the best way to install Linux Ubuntu?
I know you've already made a partition for Linux, but since "this is [your] first time attempting to work with Linux," I would highly recommend not doing a regular dual-boot with separate partitions.



Instead, set up a dual-boot using Wubi. Instructions here:

http://www.psychocats.net/ubuntu/wubi



There are a couple of advantages to Wubi:

1. You don't have to worry about accidentally choosing the wrong partition and deleting Windows.

2. You can easily remove Ubuntu if you decide later you don't like it.



In fact, there isn't really any downside to using Wubi. If you decide you want to ditch Windows later, you can even migrate your Wubi installation to a full Ubuntu installation single-boot:

http://lubi.sourceforge.net/lvpm.htmlWhat is the best way to install Linux Ubuntu?
if you download the latest ubunutu live cd and boot it up if will give you a chance to play with it before installing

then click install if you want it will allow you to do a guided partion and will set up the whole dual boot system for you this is what i did :) and i am very happy with my dual boot system- easy :) it uses the grub bootloader by default in case you were interested
after installation here is everything you need to know about ubuntu.

Good luck