Installing Linux: A Step-by-Step Guide
In Part 1 of this series, we explored the world of Linux, a little bit of its history, and its significance. Now, it’s time to take the plunge and install Linux on your computer. In this beginner-friendly guide, we will walk through the process of downloading, creating a bootable USB or DVD, and installing your chosen Linux distribution. We’ll also cover essential considerations like dual-booting, partitioning, and hardware compatibility. Let’s get started.🚀🚀
Note: Installation process is very critical, please be careful throughout this process and remember to backup your data before proceeding.
Step 1: Choose Your Linux Distribution
Before diving into the process of installation, you need to choose a Linux distribution that suits your needs. As mentioned in Part 1, popular choices include Ubuntu, Fedora, and Debian. Visit the official website of your chosen distribution and download the latest ISO image before moving to the next step. If you’re just starting, I recommend Ubuntu for its user-friendliness. You can download it here.
Step 2: Create a Bootable USB or DVD
For USB:
1. Download Rufus (Windows) or Etcher (macOS/Windows/Linux), these are some free tools for creating bootable USB drives.
2. Insert a USB flash drive (8GB or larger) into your computer.
3. Open Rufus or Etcher.
4. Select the downloaded ISO file as the source.
5. Choose the USB drive as the destination.
6. Click “Start” or “Flash” to create the bootable USB drive.
For DVD:
Who still uses DVD? Anyone?🤔, anyway let’s do it as well 🤣.
1. Insert a blank DVD into your computer’s DVD drive.
2. Use a disc-burning software like Brasero (Linux), ImgBurn (Windows), or Burn (macOS) to burn the downloaded ISO image to the DVD.
Step 3: Boot from the USB/DVD
1. Restart your computer and enter the BIOS/UEFI settings (usually by pressing F2, F12, or Del during startup). It’s different with every machine out there, see more methods here
2. Change the boot order to prioritize the USB drive or DVD drive. You need to make sure you’re not having any other USBs or DVDs mounted.
3. Save the changes and exit the BIOS/UEFI settings.
Step 4: Installing Linux (Ubuntu)
- Boot from the USB/DVD you created. You’ll see the Linux distribution’s installer.
- When you boot into Linux for the first time, you’ll typically be greeted with an initial setup wizard. This wizard will guide you through various configuration options, including:
- Language and Region: Select your preferred language and region settings.
- Keyboard Layout: Configure your keyboard layout to match your physical keyboard.
- Wi-Fi Settings (if applicable): If you’re using a wireless connection, you’ll need to set up your Wi-Fi network at this stage.
- User Account: Create or sign in with a user account. It’s generally recommended to use a non-root user for day-to-day tasks, as this enhances security.
3. Choose “Install Ubuntu” from the boot menu.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to configure your keyboard layout, Wi-Fi settings (if applicable), and user account.
5. Partitioning: Now, you’ll be asked how you want to install Linux. For beginners, I recommend installing Linux alongside Windows if you have Windows installed. This creates a dual-boot setup, allowing you to choose between Linux and Windows during startup. If you want to replace your current OS with Linux, choose ‘Erase disk and install Ubuntu,’ but be cautious as this will delete all existing data.
8. Wait for the installation process to complete.
Step 5: Post-Installation Setup
1. Remove the USB/DVD and restart your computer.
2. Select the Linux distro you installed from the boot menu (if dual-booting).
3. Complete the initial setup by following the on-screen prompts.
4. Update Your System:
- After completing the initial setup, one of the first tasks you should perform is updating your Linux system. Linux distributions release regular updates, including security patches and software improvements. You can usually do this through a package manager, which will download and install the latest updates. This step is crucial to keep your system secure and up to date.
In essence, Step 5 is about transitioning from the installation phase to a fully operational Linux environment. It involves configuring your system, making sure it’s connected to the internet (if needed), and ensuring that you’re using a non-root account for regular use. Additionally, updating your system is a critical practice to maintain security and functionality.
Remember, the specific details of the post-installation setup may vary slightly depending on the Linux distribution you’ve chosen, but these are the fundamental steps you’ll encounter in most cases. This is the point where you begin to explore and utilize your new Linux system for various tasks and software installations.
Conclusion
Congratulations! 🥳You’ve successfully installed Linux on your computer. Linux offers a world of possibilities for both beginners and advanced users. In the next parts of this series, we will explore essential Linux commands, software installation, and customization to help you make the most of your new operating system.
Remember that Linux is all about exploration and learning, so don’t hesitate to experiment and discover its vast capabilities. Until next time, happy Linux computing!👏
