Types of installation in Ubuntu 11.04 (Natty Narwhal)

You can use Ubuntu 11.04 (Natty Narwhal) via one of  three types of installtion .

1- Installing from windows using Wubi installer
if you are beginner you can use this step because its very simple just get Wubi installer Wubi is Windows software that installs Ubuntu within a series of virtual hard disk files contained in the Windows filesystem. It then configures a boot-time menu so you can choose between booting into Ubuntu or Windows. If you choose to boot into Ubuntu, a clever trick makes the virtual hard disk files appear to be real disks. As a result, the user will be entirely unaware they’re not using a traditional partition-based installation, as described previously.
Using Wubi to install Ubuntu is just like installing some Windows software, and is equally risk-free. There’s even an uninstall option added to Add/Remove Programs. The only drawback is a slight reduction in performance compared to a traditional installation, and you’ll also find the Ubuntu suspend-to-disk (hibernate) power-saving mode doesn’t work.

2-Dual-booting
If you intend to switch to Ubuntu full-time, installing Ubuntu by repartitioning your computer’s hard disk is best. This involves shrinking the existing Windows partition and creating new partitions alongside for Ubuntu. Following this, Ubuntu is installed and a menu added so you can choose between Ubuntu and Windows at boot-time. Having Ubuntu and Windows side-by-side on a PC is called dual-booting.
This sounds complex, but it’s automated via the Ubuntu installation software. However, there’s a slight risk involved when repartitioning, so it’s very wise to backup essential data first.

3-Virtual computer
By downloading a virtual computer application, such as the free-of- charge VMware Player (www.vmware.cornjproductsjpiayer), you can install Ubuntu so it runs within a program window on the Windows desktop.
A virtual computer is effectively a complete computer recreated in software. It offers an excellent way to trial Ubuntu, although the limitations of the virtual computer software mean you won’t experience Ubuntu to its full advantage (desktop visual effects won’t work, for example). Additionally, you’ll need a powerful PC with over lOB of memory for optimal results