Bonnie

Once you install Ubuntu to the hard disk your system startup (after the bios bit flashes by) will offer you a choice of running Windows or Ubuntu (actually probably a few other options as well: Ubuntu in recovery mode and some memory testing options). The top line will be the default and will start after a 5 or 6 seconds (default) if you do nothing; otherwise use up/down arrows to select and hit return for the one you want).

You will not need the usb stick once you've installed it to the D drive. The usb stick on the netbook is just replacing what would normally be an install CD on the desktop; once you've installed Ubuntu, you can save it away in case you need to reinstall, but you won't need it to run the system.

If you are running the trial version from the usb (without installing) it uses system memory for disk space (I think), though you will be able to see and use your Windows drive C (in the Ubuntu equivalent of Windows Explorer the drive will probably be called something like 112 Gb File System). Unless you save to the hard disks there will be no persistent data from the trial (I think there are ways to make persistent data on a usb stick but I've never used them).


The essential thing here is that your usb stick is just replacing the install CD. The usual version is referred to as a Live CD, meaning that you can run the system as a trial from the CD without installing anything. It gives you a chance to see that all the peripherals work and if not to try and find any extra drivers that you need. You can also test out programs you might want to use. Once you're happy you can install the system to hard disk and you don't have to worry about the install CD (usb stick for you) again.

Hope that makes it clearer!

Mick