NP, bootable CDs and DVDs with instructions on how to install them on a USB stick can be found in a lot of computer magazines, however if you want it all working you have to tailor it a bit for your machine, especially when it comes to graphic cards, printers etc.

You can install and uninstall those drivers and options later though, it is usually easier than with Windows, since you do not have to sweat in the *.dll hell. Only problem can be a kernel update (which you can install or not, there is no one urging you, like with the MS world), which then often requires adapted new drivers.

You can also boot Linux from a self made or pre-fabricated (computer magazine) CD/DVD, you just have to enter the Bios and choose from which device should be booted - USB, CD/DVD or Harddisk. Or tell the Bios to ask everytime you boot the PC via a menu, from where you want to boot.

I have only experience installing Linux versions of the german SuSe or the RedHat versions, however they are all not really difficult. It is just another way and mostly easier.

It's not hard Reece. Download the free Linux version of your choice. I would suggest Googling the images of what the desktop looks like to see if you like it. If so, download it and burn the ISO. file to a good image burner.

* Important * Use a good quality Image burner and not software that creates DVD as they are not the same. Use a slow speed as well when burning the Image to eliminate errors. Once done, transfer it to your USB and turn off your computer, plug in the stick and turn back on. Your computer will recognize that and ask if you want to boot into it or the OS you already have.

If you like the new OS, you can then use a DVD creator to create a bootable disc from your files on your flash drive.

There are so many. Google for something like "linux mint bootable usb".

I gave main forum links and examples of instructions for USB sticks somewhere above. ;)

If you really want to move Linux, do not depend on internet stuff only, it really helps if ine has one basic book "Beginner'S Guide to XYZ" on the shelve, yo simply get a more structured overview on some basics. Internet guides often are not complete, some miss these interesting detials, others miss those interesting details.

Also, my guides from the web that I used when i got started, were all good - and in German. :D

A "Linux Mint for Dummys" style of book, look for somethuign thatgets good feedback at Amazon.com. I don't want to cut you short here, I really believe that one beginner'S guide in book format is cna be worth gold. I had such one-book for all for every major Windows OS as well. It helped me to cut short some learning processes, really.

I would strongly recommend everybody that if you do not run on an empty machine/HD, then do not start to install Mint without preparing yourself with some basic knoweldge on what is recommended on the way to partition the HD, and how big each partition should be. Installing Mint really is easy, but some basic elemental starting knowledge is needed here as well.

No Catfish, Widows Vista is the same way. It probably doesn't matter which OS you use as it all comes back to Microsoft disabling your dual OS system installation regardless of the Microsoft OS.

Yes, it seems to me that I did not physically separate my Linux and Windows7 on two different rigs (instead of dual boot) one month too early...

Its like I expected, the end of GWX camapign is not the end of Microsoft attacking users of older Windows versions. Its getting even messier, if you read AskWoody's blog over the past weeks.

I will reinstall my W7 PC later in the coming weeks, cleaning it then of all non-game-related software and files as well.

OEM versions of W7 have started to fail during activation in increasing numbers another bomb dropped by MS. With bought full versions they seem to not do it, probably due to legal reasons.

There always was the arugment that MS pressed for UEFI replacing BIOS only in a bet for wanting to hinder the installation of Linux dual boot systems. Cannot tell to what degree that is true, I have no experience with UEFI boards. But I read that Linux can be installed on these as well now, you have to do some things different, however.

Thanks guys, I'll see how I go.:yep: