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February 27th 2008
(1) Wubi - Ubuntu on Windows
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The last few years has seen the unprecedented intrusion of Linux into the desktop computer operating system market. While Microsoft still continues to dominate the OS market with it’s many incantations of Windows, Linux (along with Apple’s Mac OS X) has walked into Microsoft’s house without even wiping its feet. Perhaps the most publicised or most widely known flavour of Linux is Ubuntu and its many forks. This is probably the distribution that has made the most waves in the houses of the average Joe around the world. One of the major aspects of any Linux operating system is the perceived complexity of installation and general use. 
Ubuntu and many other flavours are challenging this view and with the adoption by Dell of Ubuntu, are challenging Microsoft’s dominance over the market. One piece of software which hopes to step up to the challenge and convert the faithful Windows users to Ubuntu is Wubi.
Wubi is an unofficial Ubuntu installer currently in beta that takes the risk out of installing Ubuntu alongside an existing Windows partition. It runs Ubuntu from within Windows from a disk image. Its aim is to get the Windows user aquainted with Linux and Ubuntu. Anything that prevents me from wiping my hard drive or braking partitions gets a thumbs up from me. But, does it do what it says on the box?
Installation
On running the Wubi executable, you’re presented with one screen where you choose which drive to install your choice of Ubuntu or one of it’s forks. One click and it does it magic. It downloads the required disk image and then works even more magic. Afterwards you’re required to restart. If the post finishes here, it means I broke it.
Using Ubuntu
Unfortunately, on reboot and selecting Ubuntu from the menu resulted in several freezes when trying to active the swap partition so I didn’t actually manage to get into Ubuntu. I was surprised however that the experience provides the experience of Ubuntu but without the risk of installing it as an inexperienced user. As it is in beta I am not surprised that my experience failed however I have high hopes for the software and its part in the spreading of Ubuntu, and Linux in general, into homes around the world.
Conclusion
Wubi allows the quick and risk-free installation and uninstallation of Ubuntu and its many forks which makes it an ideal piece of software for those not experienced with partitioning and the like.
The ease of installation and uninstallation surprised me and even though I didn’t get to actually use the installed OS, it would appear that if the experience is just the same as installing Ubuntu manually, it could be an invaluable tool to convert people to the world of free software. Go and give Wubi a test drive today: download.
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