I have a 64bit Vista laptop with no CD drive (and no intention of buying one).
What is the simplest way (if any) for me to dual boot Linux (I don't care what version as long as it's not too old…and will run Ruby 1.8.7 or greater)?
I'd prefer anything with an installer.
I've been programming on Windows for a little over 1.5 years and would like the option of using Linux. I'm not a moron, but the I'm legitimately scared of messing up my computer. I speak the language of Rails, not of OS tweaks.
Thanks!
UPDATE: I'm going the VM route using Virtual Box. Any recommendations for Linux isos? I'm currently trying to install Ubuntu 9.something. Is there anything in 10.x that I'm missing? All I want to do with Linux is write Ruby programs.
UPDATE II: I ended up downloading Wubi to install Ubuntu 10.x. It's looking really good! No problems with drivers (with my logitech wireless mouse and keyboard + external monitor).
I have a new slight problem :/
I installed Ruby according to http://www.ruby-lang.org/en/downloads/
It says to get IRB (Ruby's console) working, I need to "enable the universe repository". How do I do that?!
Best Answer
I personally like wubi. It installs ubuntu as secondary option when your computer is starting up. If you ever want to get rid of it... you can boot into windows and uninstall it just like any other program in "programs and features". It also does not require you to burn the ISO image to a cd. I've been using it for years... works great. Your windows "partition" is automatically mounted under /host when you install with wubi so you'll have access to any files you have in windows.
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/WubiGuide