Ok, let;s start as this for me are basic problems at the moment:
I want to chance from Windows 8.1 to a Linux system.
Questions:
Can I keep Windows 8.1 when changing to Linux?
How will I do that change?
Do I have to delete Windows 8.1 or what do I have to do?
My BIOS is Thoshiba. Do I have to change that or what do I have to do?
Which one of the many Linux systems could be a good choice for me?
DanPickUp
Dan bhai there is some of the solutions which I remeber
1. without disturbing your current system without making any changes.
knoppix is the solution.
one can boot linux just from a cd.
(first time I booted the system using knoppix in HP PAVILION showroom few years ago, that time I used CD. The showrooom owner terrified what I done to his PC. when I rebooted the system and removed knoppix cd it was a regular HP again with windows)
2.apart from windows, one can make separate partition for linux ---permanent for linux which windows can't access
while installing we can make a boot disk previously I used floppy boot and write to cd. (now-a-days it should be straight to cd/dvd/usb) --don't install boot loader in this method.
so whenever we want boot go to bios option change to particular booting device for linux . now-a-days we can select function keys to change boot order.
(options 1 & 2 are quiet safe methods)
3.Since already u have win8.1 , make a separate partition for linux ( either u can leave unused HDD parttion or use partion tool to resize and make one) now the most used linux flavour are ubuntu,redhat.., boot with linux dvd choose the particular partion while installing choose the bootloader option so that while booting linux boot loader give choice between linux and windows
also refer here ---
http://apcmag.com/how-to-dual-boot-windows-8-and-linux.htm
4. if u don't want win8.1 very easy go for fresh installation of linux , while installation u need to format/partition the hard disk.
5. one advance step If you able to afford to buy one more laptop hdd.
just remove laptop existing hdd which has win8.1 put new hdd and install linux. for this step u need to unscrew laptop bay ( if u r laptop under warranty pls don't do that) this method for only hardware guys only.
my suggestions,
Dan bhai use knoppix that will be safe for laptop (if you are using lap top most of the time for your current work).
may be u can test linux distros/flavours with a spare pc.
pls note:- take back up if you going to make any change in you pc.
experiment with spare pc or laptop will be always better.
Don't experiment current working system unless you are on work leave/vacation for few days. :thumb:
with cheers,
narayan.