Documentazione di Ubuntu → Ubuntu 10.04 → Switching From Windows → Installing Ubuntu → Preparing to install

## Preparing to install

Before installing Ubuntu, there are a few questions to consider:

1. Do you want to dual boot (be able to run Ubuntu as well as another operating system)?

2. Have you backed up your important files?

3. Does your hardware work properly?

### Dual booting

Many people choose to run Windows and Ubuntu. This is straight forward to set up and means you can still go back to Windows. This gives you the best of both worlds and can smooth the transition to Ubuntu.

This will involve some extra steps when partitioning your hard drive (see the section called “Partitioning your disks”).

For more information, see Chapter 7, Dual-booting with Windows

### Making backups

Its important to backup your important files before you start. There are several ways to do this:

1. Use a USB memory stick or external hard drive.

2. Burn backups to a DVD or CD.

3. Create a disc image.

There is much more information in the Backing-up your Windows installation section (see the section called “Backing-up your Windows installation”)

Make sure to create a backup of your important files. Don't forget your emails and bookmarks!

Booting from the install CD |  | Entering basic information