Note that this is a proceed at your own risk tutorial. Data can be lost if caution isn’t taken and it’s always good to have a local professional be there for installation. If you are a professional then just make sure you have your data properly backed up and are installing to the correct boot drives.
What is Linux? Linux is an OS (operating system). It’s similar to that of Windows, iOS, and macOS X. It’s used in a majority of IT companies and is a great tool for administration use. Linux is used in all manners just like Windows, from your everyday user or a high-end IT professional.
So how do you know which version of Linux is right for you? You can learn about which Linux versions would be best for you here. Each coming with its own installation processes and perks. Linux is an open-source software which makes it, unlike Windows and Mac, so that you have more user control.
One perk with Linux is, with the low user base and percentage of the market Linux controls, the OS does not experience as much malware. This does not mean that the OS is immune.
Onto the process of how to install the Linux OS of choice, downloads located here: https://www.linux.org/pages/download/
Stage 1: Download Linux OS and all subsequent stages to the current PC. Not the one you intend to install it on.
Stage 2: Create a bootable CD/DVD or USB Drive. The easiest way to do this is with a flash drive is when you’ve finished downloading the Linux .iso file. You’ll need a utility that can create a bootable flash drive. A common one for this is called Rufus. It’s free and easy to use and has a portable download. You don’t need to install it as it’s only used once.
Download for Rufus: https://rufus.ie/en_US/
Steps of stage 2 following this:
- Step 1: Plug in the flash drive device you have selected with usually a 2GB (2048MB) storage into the computer. Ignore any prompts for further use.
- Step 2: Run the Rufus Utility.
- Step 3: In the “Device” field, near the top. Make sure that your flash drive is the selected device. There’s a drop-down arrow to change this if it is selecting the incorrect option.
- Step 4: Near the checkbox labeled “Create a bootable disk using:” click the image resembling a disk and find the location you downloaded the Linux .iso file. Most computers default this to your user’s “Downloads” folder. Select the .iso file, and click “Open”.
- Step 5: You can rename it in the “New volume label” this is not required. Click the “Start” option, this will begin the formatting of the flash drive and the .iso will be installed.
Stage 3: On the destination device, the one we’re wanting to put Linux on, we need to enter the BIOS. You’ll need to look this up if the following doesn’t access your BIOS. When you start booting the system up most systems need you to press F1 or F10 usually to launch the BIOS. Other keys can be F2, F9, F12, or even the delete key depending on the motherboard. Once inside the BIOS, find the ”Boot” or ”Startup” menu and make sure that your USB or flash drive device is the first in the boot order. On the screen you’ll need to navigate to a Save and Exit option, this can be the same key you used to enter the BIOS to start.
Stage 4: Linux can boot from the flash drive without installation, but this is mainly to test-drive a distro. When it comes to finishing the installation process it can depend on the version you have, with a common one known as Ubuntu. When starting you’re greeted with a Welcome screen that gives you the option ”Try Ubuntu” or ”Install Ubuntu” We’ll select the Install option. Select the ”Normal installation” Make sure to add a checkmark the ”Download updates while installing Ubuntu” before selecting the continue option. Next option since we’re doing a fresh install you’ll need to select ”Erase disk and install Ubuntu” This will erase all data, programs, etc. That currently exists on the drive you’re installing to. Press the ”Install Now” option from here. It’ll ask your location of where you are for your Time Zone settings while it installs.
Stage 5: Login details. It’ll ask you to create the name of your computer, your username, your name, and the password you’d like for the device to finalize the installation. The installer will complete in the background.
And with that congratulations, you’ve successfully installed your first Linux OS!