Welcome,
if you're reading this, it probably means you want to try Linux, maybe you want to get away from Microsoft or maybe you have your own reasons. Doesn't matter.
First of all,Linux???
What is it?
Without getting too much in the details, Linux is a kernel, meaning it is not an operating system(windows, macOS, iOS, etc.), but rather a core that operating systems can be built on top of. This is important to you, because it means there are hundreds of different choices for you to pick from.
All these different versions are called distributions. I will be referring to them as distros.
and
Why?
Linux, and therefore most operating systems built with it are open source meaning that all the code for the software is publicly available and free. Most of the time maintained by communities or nonprofits. you might be wondering well why does that change anything? For me personally, it's the fact that it's mostly focused on what the community wants rather than what some corporation wants. This means that there's no random features, advertisements, or questionable privacy.
There's plenty of guides online on how to pick the right distro for you, but it's confusing sometimes. Very few people agree in this passionate community. Anyway.
A white canvas is difficult to start with, so I'm gonna make the choice for you. Go for Linux Mint. It might not be perfect, but it's generally a easy distro to start with. The beautiful thing is that you can always change afterwards to a different distro.
!!!!
OK, if you got here that means you're seriously considering it. But, before we install, I do want to mention certain things. No matter your skill level with computers, switching to Linux means that unless your software was already open source, the application you use day-to-day might change. There are a lot of absolutely amazing alternatives that work very similarly to what you probably use right now. However, if you're expecting to use all the same software, then you're gonna have a hard time. I'm not saying that nothing works, for example Steam and a lot of the games on the platform work, but just keep that in mind. I would recommend installing it on a second computer that you're willing to erase everything on. This way you can learn and experiment.
OK
Linux Mint
Start by going to https://linuxmint.com/ or, if you don't trust me, go to your search engine of choice and look up "Linux Mint". Take a second to look around the website. Hit "download", it will bring you to a different page. You will see there are different flavors. To put it simply, there are lighter versions for older computers. You will be installing Cinnamon-edition, unless you believe your computer really needs to run a less demanding version. Once you download it, you will get a ISO file, which is a digital version of a CD/DVD, that contains all the files and code for a operating system. keep it we will use it later.
finally!
Installation
You will need a sacrificial computer (to be clear, it should be a computer that has no important information and you're willing to erase everything on it), of course, and a USB stick. I will be mostly focusing on if you have a Windows computer. But it also works if you have a Mac,with the exception of newer models that have Apple Silicon, e.g. M1, M2, M4 etc., which will require a special version of Linux specifically designed for it. I will not be covering that here, but if you wanna learn more go to https://asahilinux.org/ . Intel Macs generally work
The first thing you will need to do is flash the USB stick which means formatting your USB with the information in the ISO file. This will erase everything on it. To start, you will need a piece of software. There are multiple options, but I recommend https://etcher.balena.io/ .
Install balena on your computer, plug in the USB stick that will be sacrificed , open the application and follow the instructions. The image is the Linux Mint ISO file.
once it's done, you can remove it and this USB drive now contains the Operating system. The way you install it on your computer is :
- shut down the computer.(it needs to be a proper shutdown. not just Hibernation! you can do this by holding Shift + Shut down)
- Plug The USB With the operating system.
- Turn on the computer.
if your on Mac, keep your finger pressed on the Alt or Option key after hearing the boot sound. select the Linux option.
this should bring you to the installation for Linux. If it brings you back two windows, you will have to tell your computer to use it manually. Follow the next instructions
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You need to get to the UEFI or in other words your computer's Firmware Interface. you don't need to understand what it is, all you need to know is we will use it to get Linux mint running. There are multiple ways to get there. the most common way is by shutting the computer and turn it back on while rapidly pressing the UEFI key. It varies by manufacturer, common ones are F12, delete, or F2. It may be a different button for your computer.
The other method for windows is to run a command.
open the terminal application
copy this command
shutdown /r /fw /t 0
paste it in and hit enter on you keyboard
you may have to run it as administrator
- search command prompt
- Right click and open as administrator
this will restart your computer and bring you to the UEFI.
The UEFI menu will look different based on who made your computer. Some may have a more user-friendly interface, which will allow you to do this easier but especially on laptops, it will look old.
OK, you will need to change the boot order of your computer. Basically it's changing what device has priority when your computer turns on. Find the boot section it might a simple menu or a tab at the top of your screen. You should find a list of all the drive, which have operating systems. move the USB stick above Windows. Save these settings and exit. Your computer will reboot.
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this should bring you to A black screen with different options just hit enter on the default option.
you almost made it if everything worked out you should see a desktop environment, But do not be mistaken this is not, your operating system (do not remove the USB!!!!). it's simply a Preview. To install you will click a little DVD logo near the top of your screen.
it will guide you through a user-friendly menu. This will include your language of choice, your Internet, and other information.
The Trickier choice will be Installation type
I recommend "erasing disk and install Linux mint"
Unless if you wanna keep windows, but that might be a bit more tricky.
after a couple more questions, it will ask you to create your username and password. Wait until the computer has done everything that It needs, Remove the USB stick and restart.
there you go it should've worked if it didn't. I recommend checking out https://linuxmint-installation-guide.readthedocs.io/en/latest/choose.html
or you know these days... Ai.
Anyways, I Hope it went Well.
just tried to use it like you would your normal computer And have fun.
this is my first blog post so it is what it is
Sources:
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/administration/windows-commands/shutdown
https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/glossary/iso-image/
https://linuxmint-installation-guide.readthedocs.io/en/latest/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USB_flash_drive
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UEFI