How friendly would it be if I wanted to format it right away and install my own OS?
2030280
I'd consider doing a dual boot just in case the second OS doesn't take properly.
280434
I'm sorta nervous about being the first person in the known universe to put Ubuntu on one of these. Can somebody ease my apprehensions?
1707412
Not sure. I would suggest you to use a flash drive to install linux stuff instead.
7374
No....you have to put the OS. It was fairly simply to set up using my laptops original restore disks.
2159664
Yes you can... It is a regular notebook, then you can install the software what you want.
879873
I wouldn't bother. You could easily buy an ssd and ram and do it yourself quite easily if your at all familiar with computers.
328241
If you are trying to ask if you can turn it into a boot drive where you can load OS's from then yes you can. You will have to download specific software that will wipe the drive and then install the OS onto the drive to be installed on your computer.
1841183
I did install myself. I am not a computer wiz, but just know some basics. I think it is fairly easy. After installing, I copied my startup to this drive and told my computer to use this hard drive to start up. It worked and has worked ever since.
135684
Yes--but you will need to use Disk Utility to reformat it. Takes just a couple of minutes.
1094987
Yes, but you'll need a computer to go along with it. I'm guessing you're probably a more casual user, so I'd recommend having a technically inclined friend or computer repair specialist help with the install.
603305
No need do any re-format. For my iMAC, just installed software has already on Portable Hard drive, and my laptop PC with Window 7 automatic recognized device.
300157
You can change the mode if needed as well, but if you don't change the mode it'll auto setup everything to the new OS depending on the bit and type. Example: It'll adjust to Windows 7 32 bit or Windows 8 64 bit differently as well as Linux if you do not use Windows.
532440
Educated guess ... Maybe. It depends on which distribution you plan on using and how new the hardware is (as to whether or not you'll be able to find drivers yet). Bored with windows already?
2128297
You can also format a pendrive to ntfs, copy the files in the os cd to it and after boot from the pendrive to install the OS.
2123279
It was necessary to install the operating system in addition to my files. No problem.
1482213
Can you elaborate? If you have Windows XP or newer it should just install automatically.
86043
If you have the same Lenovo All-In-One that I do, I am thinking that you could do this. But unless you are an expert in the field, I would pay some one who is to do it for you. From what I have read and seen just on my unit, it does not appear to be "Do It Yourself" friendly. But that is just my opinion. I for one am very happy with this unit, well except for Windows 8, that is a huge pain. But I am learning, my old computer, which I still have and use, has XP on it, so there is a huge difference between the two. Am trying to be patient to learn the new system, somewhat anyway. Hope this helps, it probably wasn't what you wanted but that is as best as I can give. Grace If you have the same Lenovo All-In-One that I do, I am thinking that you could do this. But unless you are an expert in the field, I would pay some one who is to do it for you. From what I have read and seen just on my unit, it does not appear to be "Do It Yourself" friendly. But that is just my opinion. I for one am very happy with this unit, well except for Windows 8, that is a huge pain. But I am learning, my old computer, which I still have and use, has XP on it, so there is a huge difference between the two. Am trying to be patient to learn the new system, somewhat anyway.... » Read More If you have the same Lenovo All-In-One that I do, I am thinking that you could do this. But unless you are an expert in the field, I would pay some one who is to do it for you. From what I have read and seen just on my unit, it does not appear to be "Do It Yourself" friendly. But that is just my opinion. I for one am very happy with this unit, well except for Windows 8, that is a huge pain. But I am learning, my old computer, which I still have and use, has XP on it, so there is a huge difference between the two. Am trying to be patient to learn the new system, somewhat anyway. Hope this helps, it probably wasn't what you wanted but that is as best as I can give. Grace « Show Less