Linux is an open source operating system designed to replace Windows and Mac OS X. It can be downloaded and installed for free on any computer. Since it is open source, there are several versions available, also called distributions, developed by different groups. Follow the instructions in this guide to learn how to install any version of Linux, along with specific instructions for the most popular distributions.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Install Any Linux Distribution
Step 1. Download the Linux distribution of your choice
Linux distributions (distros) are typically available for free download in ISO format. You will find the ISO image of the chosen distribution on the official website for that specific distribution. This format must be burned to a CD in order to be used to install Linux. The resulting CD is a Live CD.
- A Live CD will allow you to boot your computer from the CD, and often contains a trial version of the operating system that can be run directly from the CD.
- Install a program that allows you to burn to CDs, or you can use the burning program that comes with the operating system if you are using Windows 7, 8, or Mac OS X.
Step 2. Boot your computer from the Live CD
Most computers are set to boot from the hard drive, this means that you will need to change some settings to boot the computer from the CD you just created. Start by restarting your computer.
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After restarting the computer, press the key to enter the BIOS setup. The key in question will be indicated on the initial screen, where the manufacturer's logo also appears. Some of the commonly used keys are F12, F2, or Del.
If you are a Windows 8 user, hold down the Shift key and click Restart. This will load the Advanced Boot Options, from which you can choose to boot your computer from CD
- Enter the Boot menu and change the computer settings to make it boot from the CD. After changing the settings, save and exit the BIOS setup. The computer will restart.
- Press any key when the “Boot from CD” message appears.
Step 3. Test the Linux distro before installing it
Most Live CDs can make the operating system boot directly from the CD. You won't be able to create any files, but you can try the interface and decide if it's for you.
Step 4. Start the installation process
If you are trying the distro, you can start the installation from the shortcut on the desktop. If you decide not to try the distro, you can start the installation directly from the menu that appears when the computer starts.
Most likely the program will ask you to configure some basic options, such as language, keyboard type and time zone
Step 5. Create a username and password
You will need to create login information to install Linux. You will need to enter the password to boot Linux, and to perform the operations that must be performed by the administrator.
Step 6. Set up the partition
Linux must be installed on a different partition than any other operating system on the computer. A partition is a part of the hard drive that is specifically formatted to house a certain operating system.
- Some distros, like Ubuntu, automatically set the recommended characteristics for its partition. However, you can manually change these settings. But most Linux installations require 4-5GB, so make sure you reserve enough space for both the operating system and any programs you may want to install and the files you may want to create.
- If the installation process does not automatically set partition characteristics, make sure the partition you create is formatted as Ext4. If the copy of Linux you are installing is the only operating system on that computer, you will probably need to manually set the partition size.
Step 7. Boot your computer with Linux
Once the installation is complete, your computer will restart. You will see a new startup screen, called "GNU GRUB". This is the boot loader that manages Linux installations. Choose your new Linux distro from the list.
If you have more than one Linux distro installed, all installed ones will be in this list
Step 8. Check your peripherals
Most peripherals should automatically work with Linux, although you may need to download some additional drivers for everything to work properly.
- Some peripherals require proprietary drivers to work properly with Linux. This usually happens for video cards. Normally there will still be an open source driver that works, but to take full advantage of the video card's features, you'll need to download the proprietary driver from the manufacturer's site.
- If you have Ubuntu installed, you can download proprietary drivers through the System Settings menu. Select the "Additional Drivers" option, and then the graphics card driver from the list. Other distros have specific procedures for downloading additional drivers.
- In this list you will also find other drivers, such as those of the Wi-Fi card.
Step 9. Start using Linux
After you have finished the installation, and you have verified that your peripherals are working correctly, you are ready to start using Linux. Most distros come with several programs already installed, but you can download many more through their respective repositories.
Method 2 of 2: Install Specific Linux Distributions
Step 1. Install Ubuntu
Ubuntu is one of the most popular Linux distributions. There are two releases available: a long term support version (LTS) and a short term support version which includes the latest news. The LTS version has increased software support.
Step 2. Installing Fedora
Fedora is another very popular distribution, second only to Ubuntu. Fedora is much more popular in enterprise systems.
Step 3. Installing Debian
Debian is a distro for Linux enthusiasts. It is considered to be one of the most stable and bug-free versions of Linux. Debian also has a large number of software packages available.
Step 4. Install Linux Mint
Linux Mint is one of the newest distros and is rapidly growing in popularity. It was built on the basis of Ubuntu, but has been modified based on user requests and feedback.
Advice
- Be patient; some of these steps take time.
- Your computer must be connected to the internet during installation.
Warnings
- Your old operating system may be erased! All data on your computer could be lost! Be careful.
- If you don't choose to partition your hard drive and dual-boot, all your data they will be deleted.
