Fedora is the second most popular Linux-based operating system, behind Ubuntu. This set of instructions describes how to install Fedora on your computer.
Steps
Step 1. Download the live image from the fedoraproject website
If you are a KDE fan, go here.
Step 2. Write the.iso image to a CD, DVD or USB stick
Make sure you write it at a slow speed, so as not to corrupt any files during the operation.
Step 3. Change the BIOS settings
If you are using the image from USB, you may need to go into your BIOS and change the boot priorities in order to boot from USB. You can enter the BIOS of most computers by pressing "F2" or "Del" during boot. If you are using a CD or DVD you can skip this step, as the CD drive is usually the highest priority already.
Step 4. Make sure you select "Live Disk" when that option appears on the screen
If you choose to install the program, you could potentially erase everything from your system.
Step 5. Explore the system
The main aspect that you can observe is the window manager which allows you to visualize very beautiful effects. You can also explore the applications already installed in the operating system and search for those available in the package manager.
Step 6. Install the live image on your hard drive
If you have made the decision to install Linux on your system, click on the "Install to Hard Drive" icon on the desktop.
Step 7. Click Next when the installer opens and then select the keyboard layout
Step 8. Choose the host name
You can leave it as is or enter any name you like. This will be the name of the computer. Then click Next.
Step 9. Select your time zone and click Next
Step 10. Enter the root password for the system
Make sure it's a hard word to guess; the security of your system depends on it.
Step 11. Choose the installation mode
You could:
- Use the entire disc. In this case Fedora will delete all data on the hard drive and use that space for its installation. Be careful - you will lose all data on the drive.
- Use free space. If you have unused space on your hard drive, all of that space will be used for the Fedora installation.
- Replace the existing Linux system. If you are sure you have another Linux system and wish to remove it, use this option and click Next.
- Compress the current system. This option allows you to compress a partition to install Fedora.
- Create a custom layout. This option allows you to create and delete partitions manually (recommended for advanced users only).
Step 12. Choose which option is best for you and click Next
Confirm by clicking on "write changes to disk".
Step 13. Wait for the installation to complete
This will take about 5-10 minutes (depending on your system).
Step 14. Restart your computer when the installation is finished
Go to System> Shut Down and make sure you remove the live CD from the CD player or the stick from the USB port.
Step 15. Click "Next" in the first launch window and read and accept the license agreement
Step 16. Click next again
In the Create User window, type your preferred username, your full name and your password.
Step 17. Set the date and time, then click on the "Network Time Protocol" tab
With this option your computer can retrieve the time from the internet, so you don't have to adjust it, for example in the case of daylight saving time. Enable this option and click "Next".
Step 18. Optional:
Submit your hardware details to the Fedora Project to help developers create programs that fit the hardware specifications.
Step 19. Log in and enter your password and you can consider yourself a Fedora user
Your desktop should look something like this.
Advice
- Write the name and model of your graphics card and your wireless network card. Not all drivers are included with the operating system, because some of them are proprietary.
- If you don't like Fedora, go to https://www.distrowatch.com to see other available Linux distributions. Don't let the large amount of choices scare you! There are real gems! Some even offer pre-installed proprietary drivers.
Warnings
- Turning off the computer during installation can render the system unable to boot.
- Most Linux distributions allow you to download and install proprietary drivers. Be careful, as this may be illegal in some states where Intellectual Property rights must be respected (such as the United States). Be sure to check the regulations in your state before downloading and installing drivers.
- Try the live version of the system first. If you find that the system is not working properly, Fedora will probably not work on your computer. Always select this option first and make sure you like the new operating system.
- This installation erases any other operating systems on the system so make sure you have a backup copy of all important data.
