I've downloaded the Ubuntu & saved it to my flash drive. Had to download winzip to open it. Now, I don't know how to use the winzip!! I want to be able to use it from the flashdrive but not install it onto my computer. What file do I need to click on in order to get it running? Help!!

You need to make an ISO image after using WINZIP to decompress the folder. Once you do that you can burn an ISO disk that will allow you to do a "live" install from your CD that does not commit an install on your hard drive so you can play around with it and see if you like it!

IDK

I think it would be easier to just go get a cd and make a more stable copy on it

English, plez? I'm generally pretty litterate on pc's. But, this is the first program I have no clue about. Sweet, I can do that but I'd have to wait & I'm traveling on the road so really no address to send it to although I still have an apt in WV I'm rarely at that address. I'm back at my apt for the weekend but will be leaving Sunday again.

Live versions of distros are typically distributed in an iso, which is a file format that cd burning software uses to create cds. It sounds like your winzip mounted an iso file so that you're able to see what's in it. Although, I doubt winzip has the magic to image that to your usb device so that it's bootable.

I have heard that some distros have live usb versions but there is still some magic that has to be done to make it bootable.

Is there something that's keeping you from just burning a cd?
Also, some things to keep in mind for burning any live cds;
Use dao (disk at once) mode and not any faster than 8x.

I personally like the flash drives better than DVD's because they are more portable. I've just downloaded the ISO software (googled it to find out what it does) & am compressing the ubuntu file now. If this doesn't work I'll go out & pick up some DVD's tomorrow as I don't have any at the moment to copy too. Thx

I hear ya. And DVDs tend to get scratched up when you cart them about.
May I ask you the full name of the file you downloaded? The reason I ask is that I'm pretty certain that you already have an iso file.
Remember- windohs hides file extensions by default! (because M$ thinks you're too stupid to care)
I'm afraid you might be creating an iso file out of your iso file, which isn't going to work.

The only steps to a linux live cd are, typically;
1) Download the iso
2) Burn it to a disk
3) Reboot your machine and marvel at how easy that was

Because it sounds like you're willing to go an extra mile over this, here's a link with a lot of info about making live usbs (even from windohs!)-

http://www.pendrivelinux.com/

Pardon me if I've misunderstood what you're up to.
I'd just like to see you to get it right the first time and have fun.

I'm not sure how this happened. I tried changing the file on my flashdrive. Have the same file in my documents. It changed both files & they are listed as Power ISO's which is the program I used to change the file. My DS has a CD but not sure if I can get it copied to the flash drive. Heading into town maybe I should pick up some DVD's while I'm out. Thx

Here's what the file is showing now:

ubuntu-10.10-desktop-i386.iso 478,316KB

ubuntu-10.10-desktop-i386.daa 471,475KB

There are 2 files now on my flash drive. The daa is after I tried the power iso program.

Documents folder file: ubuntu-10.10-desktop-i386.iso

Oh, man...
I wonder if you shouldn't just start over. Re-download a clean iso and don't touch it with anything except some burning software ;)

keep in mind tho that flash drives are not intended as long term storage

you will need to burn a cd eventually as your start up and recovery disk

yes I think about 3 pages ago I told her to go get a cd and do it right

she prolly didn't even notice cause it made too much sense and was too logical

(j/k Tessa - good luck to ya)

It should be fine for the short time she plays with it and finds out she loves it so much she has to put it on her hdd ;)



And that was kind of a sensitive point in her journey, too. How do you tactfully say, "Hey! No! Stop! You're doing it wrong!" to a chick on a mission? I always play it safe and stay the helloutta the way but still try to offer a nudge in the right direction. It didn't take long for it to run it's course. I think she's ready for us, now ;)

And yes, best of luck to you, Tessa02!

Well, guys I did listen...although I hate DVD's. Borrowed one from my son & made a copy. It'll boot up & load but then I can't get the internet connected. Not sure all this BS is worth it!! Driving me F'n insane!!! PITA Thx

Aw, damn. I'm gonna guess you're trying to use wifi. That is one of the things that often needs extra tweaking. That's not linux's fault. With the many wifi adapter manufacturers and chips, there are as many drivers needed for them. These manufacturers don't provide linux drivers and won't release the specs for their hardware so that the development community can write drivers. There are ways around it but it isn't point and click.
Can you use a wire until you get to a point where you are comfortable with the new os? It really will be worth it. Off the top; no more virus scanning, no more malware, no more defrag, better memory management (I could go on)
I hope you don't give up.