Fastest/easiest way to install Ubuntu on Windows 8

Question

I'm sorry if this is asked frequently but I have a problem, the computer I'm going to install Ubuntu is not mine and can only keep it for about 4-5 days, however I need Linux for homework.

In the past I used wubi so it was easy enough but everything I've read for a while says is no longer an option.

It's been 4 years or so since I last installed anything Linux related, I use Ubuntu on my PC but that was long ago, and I'm reading stuff like this:

http://www.everydaylinuxuser.com/2014/07/how-to-install-linux-mint-alongside.html

http://linux.about.com/od/LinuxNewbieDesktopGuide/ss/The-Ultimate-Windows-81-And-Ubuntu-Dual-Boot-Guide.htm

Installing Ubuntu Alongside a Pre-Installed Windows with UEFI

That, to someone that messes up installations as good as I, it seems just too complicated, and I don't want to mess someone else's computer.

So, the question: How to install a minimum version so I can compile and run C programs I write?

I'd suggest you install Virtualbox in Windows then install a light weight Linux such as Lubuntu in the virtual machine. You will have slightly reduced linux performance but not enough to notice it and almost no chance of upseting Windows. — Warren Hill, Apr 14 '15 at 08:18
In the past I tried to install a VM (last time this happened) and the computer froze so much I couldn't do anything. It's a laptop, not THAT bad but still, the VM did not work. That's only part of what I was talking when I say I mess stuff up — keont, Apr 14 '15 at 11:10
possible duplicate of How do I install Ubuntu to a USB key? (without using Startup Disk Creator) — Eric Carvalho, Sep 12 '15 at 17:33

Faizan Akram Dar · Accepted Answer · 2015-04-14T10:14:58.417

15

You dont need to install Ubuntu. Just make a live USB media using Linux Live USB Creator from Windows.

Here is the guide.

While creating USB use persistence.

What is persistence?

Usually, on a live CD or Live USB key, all modifications are discarded when you reboot.

The persistence allows you to keep your preferences and data even after reboot.

The data are stored in a special file called casper-rw (for Ubuntu) and overlay-USBLABEL-UUID (for Fedora). This is a completely transparent process for the user.

Usually, 300 MB are enough to install some software but you can use more.

The Linux Live USB Creator also has an option to run inside windows using virtual box which it downloads if the option is checked.

edited Apr 14 '15 at 10:14

answered Apr 14 '15 at 08:38

Faizan Akram Dar

4,511

Let us continue this discussion in chat. – Faizan Akram Dar Apr 14 '15 at 09:46
can't upvote because rep but thanks a lot for the answer, I will try to do it as soon as I get home. – keont Apr 14 '15 at 11:10
Please read the guide carefully – Faizan Akram Dar Apr 14 '15 at 11:12
I will. Problem might be to have a drive of size and such. With this stuff I always wonder: would "putting" the files into an external drive work? I understand usb=flash and so in this case I guess no, but just in case – keont Apr 14 '15 at 11:18
External drive should work with no problem as it acts as a flash device and is plug and play – Faizan Akram Dar Apr 14 '15 at 11:21
The linux live usb creator automatically detects from the iso, the type of OS like ubuntu 14.04 lts 64 bit , etc but sometimes it doesn't detect it correct, so you may have to change the settings and adjust it according to the linux distro required – Faizan Akram Dar Apr 14 '15 at 11:26
Also make sure to use a good & fast USB device (or even external hard disk!), otherwise it can be quite slow. – Jonas Czech Apr 14 '15 at 16:20

Fastest/easiest way to install Ubuntu on Windows 8

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