Converting ISO image file to bootable disc

Normally, the disks that Ubuntu comes on are bootable, so you can check it out without installing it, called a "live" disk.

You can go here: http://ubuntuforums.org/ and search around in the absolute beginners talk section on how to make the disk live.

The version (7.04) that I downloaded a while back came as an ISO as well, and my comp read it ok.

First, you need to make sure your dell is set to boot from the dvd drive. Go here to learn how to do that: http://www.computer-juice.com/forums/f43/how-access-bios-3997/

You will need to put the disk in the dvd reader then reboot.

When your comp starts to read the disk, you will be given the choice to install or use the disk "live", meaning you can run Ubuntu straight from the dvd to see if you like it.

Good luck!

Thanks for your response. The DVD I have has a whole lot of other stuff on it besides the Ubuntu iso file of 694 MB size. I guess I'll have to get the bootable disc burnt using a dvd writer on someone else's computer. I'll go throught the links for useful info. Thanks again. =TeeSquare=

You can also create a 'virtual CD rom drive', and play the iso that way.

Ubuntu will see it is sharing with Xp and ask you to create a partition for it to use. It will then use a boot manager so when you turn it on you can boot into Linux or Xp.

some hints are here

http://www.google.ca/search?hl=en&sa=X&oi=spell&resnum=0&ct=result&cd=1&q=%22virtual+CD+ROM%22+%2B%22play+iso%22&spell=1

Hello, you should be able to make a live disk on the cd-rom I have done this from the Ubunta site. I found the live version then saved the file to the disk then burned it to disk. You should be able to use the USB drive instead of a cd/dvd rom. The USB drive could/would give you some file storage space.

Like the other post suggested XP machines can be setup as a dual-boot.

This is about all I know as I'm still learning about Lunix also.

Good luck metalSmith's

I haven't read the other postings, but what the heck!

The main problem you may face with trying to boot from a memory stick, is this is usually configured in BIOS. BIOS, gives you a choice of different sources to boot from and in what order (HD, floppy, CD, etc...). Unfortunately, I haven't come across a BIOS that lists a memory stick as a boot-able source, even if the stick contains an actual file system. And if it ain't on the BIOS list, it won't boot your PC.

If I've understood right, an ISO file is a cd image file, which is kind of a copy of a cd CD or DVD. However this file is only readable from a cd or a dvd, unless you have a virtual cd rom. I use PowerISO, which is a program containing a range of tools to convert read and make ISO files. There's a range of tools out there, deamon tools, I think is the name of another good one.

Now I'm by far not an expert, but i doubt you will be able to read the ubuntu file from your stick if you copy it directly, so I would suggest that you open the file in a virtual cd-drive, and then copy it to your stick or hard-drive, or whatever you want to do.

to simplify to question, you want to burn an .iso image. you already have an .iso file and would just want to make a disc which will autorun. right? first, you must have a burning program. i use "gburner" it burns anything including .iso image files. if you don't have 'gburner', surf the net for other freeware discs burners. avoid the bloated softwares the like of Nero. go to 'mininova.org' to download 'gburner' with crack or serial or keygen. after installing, run the program. just click 'add' to add the .iso image file. insert a cd or dvd. press 'burn' and the files will be burned. the cd that you've burned will now contain the program Ubuntu 8.04 and hopefully, it will run auto or you can choose to install manually using your operating software. good. luck.

Thanks to all who have responded.

I think the problem I will face is that with my cd writer I will be able to create a disc of max 700 MB size, whereas the Ubuntu will require about 2 GB. I don't know about 'virtual' disc drives (I'm slow at learning all these new computer concepts, and my internet access is erratic and slow). So it is best I get the disc writing done by someone who has a dvd writer which can take upto about 4 GB. I don't suppose a bootable disc can be split over multiple cds.

Regards, =TeeSquare=

well, a DVD drive feeds data over it's data port. If you read the iso image on a software drive, it then presents the data from a virtual drive that the operating system sees as a real drive. It works and also has a faster data rate.

Read a few of these

http://www.google.ca/search?hl=en&q=%22virtual+DVD+drive%22&btnG=Google+Search&meta=

TeeSquare, I'm not sure where you got the idea that you are going to need 4GB for this. The ISO file is basically an "image" of the CD structure, and as such, it will require the same size of recordable media as the ISO file size. The Linux ISO's I have used were all setup to fit on one CD, that's why it's just under 700MB, the size that will fit on a CD. You should be able to copy that ISO file to your hard drive, and then use your CD burning software to burn the ISO image to disk. I think nearly all CD burning software has the option to burn ISO images to recordable media.

Once burnt, the disk should be bootable, and will give you the option to "run live" or install. The "run live" is a neat feature to be able to try to software without installing it. There are more hardware requirement/restrictions for "running live" vs installing. Let us know how you make out.

Tom

(Solved!) I was able to burn the iso image (694 MB) to a regular 700 MB CD successfully. I was under the impression that during the writing process there would be a substantial increase in the space requirement. I had a bootable (or live) dvd for the same Ubuntu 8.04 which takes up about 2 GB but it would not go through with the "Check disc for defects" option. So I assumed it was defective and didn't risk installing from it.

I was indeed surprised that the disc copied from the iso file also occupied the same 694 GB space! I have only just seen post 10 by tdesmit. I guess I'll never understand these things, but anyway my apologies for taxing CR4 readers needlessly as it turned out. The problem posed in this thread has been solved, but my problems with installing Ubuntu and learning to use Linux are just starting, and it is going to be a long haul! Thanks to all for the responses.

=TeeSquare=