Download and use "Ubuntu Disk Imager" in Windows. This will allow you to overwrite your USB-stick with the Ubuntu installation CD image, you have downloaded.

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Installation/FromImgFiles

P.S.: It may be that the laptop needs to be configured in the BIOS to boot from USB, but that's another potential issue.

Ask David (Zonker), he is helping people with these things. Check out his activity below:

http://www.glocals.com/#/things-to-do/events_view/geneva/29407.htm

Hi ! 

Do you have a recent laptop or an oldie? Anyhow latest version should work but depends if you're looking for performance. 

I'll burn you a CD/DVD and send it to you through Lyndsey.

PS: You sure that in BIOS options it boots on the CD first? 

Ioan

He can't even download the image.

Justin, check if you have enough space and enough ADSL bandwidth.

I would advise to download it from an office/university, etc. and copy it on a USB stick.

Than you'll burn the image on a disk (maybe you'll need software you can easily find for free).

After that I suggest that you launch the CD-rom normally and install Ubuntu directly in your computer.

This way you won't have issues with fiddling with the BIOS: you'll be asked each time you switch on to choose whether you want to start windows or ubuntu.

:)

Good luck

... otherwise you can ask for a free CD on https://shipit.ubuntu.com/

ciao

Thanks Ferney,

des it not look like the process I went through...with headache as the prize!?

Thanks Catalin,

yes, I know David; but...let's keep the best weapn for the end; the win is more tasty like this.

@ David, if you are reading this...

actually, it's very urgent

it sounds interesting, but Im not sure I understand it. but if it's another way to get the software I must install afterwards, I gave up this "nightmare" last night...this is why Im here this mrning

as for ordering, it would take too looooooooooong (probably several weeks)...so not even an option

Than do it as I said and you'll have it up and running in a couple of hours max. 

N.B.

That's the only way to get that software.

I tried Ubuntu on a very old tower and it worked perfectly. I then decided on installing it on my macbook which was clearly more complicated but after many attempts finally succeeded and I love it. I did not try with the USB approach.

All that to say, I should have a copy on a CD that I can give you by hand tonight if needed in the Geneva center area. Do you plan on keeping what you currently have on your PC, having both operating systems? Do you have a laptop? The best advice I got is to Backup what you have so that you have a free mind, however silly that is. I have grouped some links somewhere on a post I wanted to make on installing ubuntu on a mac as I had to learn on the way.

Let me know, I will gladly help spread the Ubuntu as I won't be developing many programs for it...

Andrew

PS: You sure that in BIOS options it boots on the CD first? 

I've just tried this, but no way! (provided I did it well). 

 Instead of waiting for you to send it, can I come to pick it? (if I get it quicker like this)

the CD in english would be fine. but possibly in french? or, can I select a preferred language during the setup? 

s com' back to your solution, I should use both the USB and the CD (which are normally 2 alternative solutions), at the same time!? If it's that you mean, can it really work???