Switching From Ubuntu To Fedora

[blairehh]

Hi iv been a ubuntu user for some time now and was looking to switch to fedora due to its reputation as being a better linux distro for software/database development and some annoying features in ubuntu. However iv got a fair bit of stuff saved on my netbook and was wondering if there is a way to install fedora over my ubuntu os without loosing my files which is saved under home directory. Im running on a netbook that supports ubuntu perfectly. I know i can back up all my data and install fedora then copy all my data back and re-install but it would be much easier if fedora could replace ubuntu due to the fact time is an issue since im halfway through a semester and time is vital. Also are there any little things i should know when switching to fedora? Thanks.

[tdockery97]

Your /home directory contains a lot of settings that may or may not be compatible with Fedora. Personally I would back up my pictures, music, videos, etc. and do a clean install. You may want to use a partition imager such as Clonezilla to back up your 'buntu installation. If for some reason Fedora doesn't work out for you, it only takes 10 minutes or so to restore your system to the way it was.

[kurtdriver]

You should always backup prior to installation or upgrade anyway. I'm not sure about the options on the install DVD, but the liveCDs are guaranteed to overwrite any Linux installation they find while preserving Windows. Backwards if you ask me (but the devs didn't). Perhaps the install disk will allow you to preserve existing partitions, but I wouldn't count on it.

Recent versions of Anaconda have overwritten my partitions and data several times, choosing "Update an Existing Linux Installation" did it, for instance. Backup, maybe buy a second drive? They're cheap these days.

[blairehh]

Thanks for the reply's, i knew this was a long shot and probably gonna keep ubuntu till mid semester break when i have some spare time

[Cygn]

well, I've often switched distribs while keeping /home and nothing bad happened, never. At worst, rm'ing some .* would fix any glitches.
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Edit:
ah well, I remember also having to chown my home back once, but I guess fedora would handle that for you.

[jpollard]

Possibly the largest change will be the SELinux security lables. These can keep you from logging in.

If you "touch /.autorelable" and reboot, the system will relable everything.

It takes a fair amount of time though, but I suspect this will be the only way short of disabling SELinux to get the labels consistent.

[amturnip]

You need, obviously, a second netbook. Anyway, Fedora 15 is right around the corner and the first several weeks of a Fedora release can be rocky.