How to Run a Free and Open Source OS on a Windows PC

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Download a Virtualisation program such as Virtual PC 2007 from the Microsoft website (it's free)

   Hard Disk Wizard will automatically make a virtual drive (it sounds complicated- it's not, the wizard will do it for you). , It's a very simple, effective, and user-friendly OS (and powerful, too) ,, You should see a black (booting) screen.
   
   In the menu, find the CD submenu, and select 'Capture ISO'.
   
   Load the 'dsl.iso' you downloaded a few minutes ago. , This OS is rather user-intuitive, and you'll find many similarities in function to Windows OS.
   
   You have a desktop, etc. ,,, You will be prompted whether you wish to Save State or not.
   
   Do so. ,
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   Step 2: and install it.

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   Step 3: Now start the Virtual PC.

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   Step 4: For your first test

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   Step 5: I'd recommend a Linux variant called "Damn Small Linux".

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   Step 6: Download the .ISO file for "Damn Small Linux"

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   Step 7: which you will mount onto the virtual drive you have created.

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   Step 8: Open the virtual PC.

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   Step 9: If you've performed all these steps successfully

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    Step 10: the DSL OS should boot within about 15 seconds.

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    Step 11: See a fully functional OS.

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    Step 12: Full Screen Mode use Alt + Enter

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    Step 13: To exit the OS

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    Step 14: use Alt + F4.

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    Step 15: To return to the OS

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    Step 16: start the Virtual PC program

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    Step 17: select the virtual hard drive

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    Step 18: and activate it.

Detailed Guide

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