I have downloaded the Xubuntu 14.04.3 Desktop i386 ISO from the official site and don't know what else to do so I can start using this OS instead of the Windows XP currently installed on my HP 6730s laptop. When I double left click on the downloaded file Windows says it doesn't know what to use for opening it.
1 Answer
An ISO file is an "image" of a disc - this is, a virtual copy of a CD/DVD/BD that you can use to record or "burn" new discs. In order to install any (GNU)Linux distribution (commonly known as "Linux systems"), you first have to download the installer's ISO and then burn it using a recording software.
There are two ways you can get your copy of the Xubuntu installer working:
- Burn to a CD or DVD using i.e. CDBurnerXP, InfraRecorder or ImgBurn.
- Burn to an USB drive with Universal USB Installer, Rufus or UNetBootin
These programs let you choose a file and then record it into the device you wish. I recommend you to use CDBurnerXP and Universal USB Installer, since they are reliable and straight-forward.
Since it seems that this is the first time you're trying to install an OS by yourself, why don't you check a tutorial on installing (X)ubuntu? Here's the official one!