Is it ok to install Ubuntu on Notebook that came with Windows Vista Home Basic?

[benza]

Mine is an Acer Extensa laptop that came with Windows Vista Home Basic installed.
I am new to computer though old in age.
Please tell me if it is alright to install Ubuntu browser on this machine of mine.
Shall be grateful for any advice on the use of Ubuntu.
Am attracted to Ubuntu as they say it needs no anti-virus and other protective programs.
Recently a hacker sent out marketing emails to me and all my contacts about Apple's iPod.
Am told such hacking is not possible in Ubuntu.
Yes  am rather gullible by nature.
Thank you  ben aloy

[bigtoe]

The Linux browser, Ubuntu, can be installed on a separate partition of your hard drive.... Here is the web site for the Ubuntu Forums where you can gather in a ton of information to help you with learning and using Linux .... http://ubuntuforums.org/

There are an assortment of different categories subdivided on the Forum, including one with Tutorials....  ......http://ubuntuforums.org/forumdisplay.php?s=dcb05f662a64992100adf00b1cef9aee&f=100

Have fun and enjoy the learning experience.... Your Windows experience can be pretty much trouble free also, just a matter of caution in what you click on and being sure you have updated protective programs on your computer....... I have no qualms about running Windows PC at all..........

I should add, in regards to ubuntu, you may want to give a strong consideration to using Xubuntu as most find it quite easy to use and work with in contrast to other Linux operating systems..... Here is an informative site and you can download Xubuntu from here: http://www.xubuntu.com/

Happy Puterin' .... Al

[benza]

Big Toe Sir, failed to install Ubuntu and Xubuntu --- when the disc was inserted and and laptop started and selected ''Ubuntu''  and  ''Xubuntu'' to open,  a breathing circle with three dots appeared.
It breathed for a while and vanished.  Tried several times for a good part of the day.
My craving to try Ubuntu is over.  Sour Grapes.
However, your advices are appreciated.
Thank you

[benza]

Hi Big Toe --- Reported my failure to install Ubuntu 9.0 and Xubuntu with CDs.

This morning downloaded WUBI from PC World --- It installed and partitioned Hard Drive --- On reboot selected Ubuntu to open --- It is asking for User Name and Password --- Never registered with it --- How could it ask for these items and how could I submit them ?
Kindly help me please.  Thank you.

[benza]

Sorry --- the version WUBI installed is Ubuntu 8.0 --- Hope to upgrade to 9.0, the latest, after trying out this 8.0.

Thanks.

[bigtoe]

It is asking you to give a username and password, just as your Windows computer did when you first started it up to use it..... I would use the same username and password that you use with your computer so there is less for you to have to memorize.... Yes, the hard drive has to be partitioned into parts and the Linus operating system has to be installed on a separate partition or part of the hard drive... can't be on the same partition as Windows operating system is as the computer would be totally confused on what you want to do.... can only have one engine under the hood, so to speak, so think of the operating system as the engine of your computer... you put one engine (Windows) on one partition of the hard drive (under that hood) and put the other engine (Linux/Ubuntu) on another portion of the hard drive (under another hood) as only one engine (operating system) can drive the computer at one time.....