Linux can be traced back to 1991 when Linux Kernel was created by Linus Torvalds. The OS can be downloaded for free and is governed by the General Public license. The Operating System is used across various platforms including TVs, mobile phones, gaming consoles, PCs, etc. There is a mistaken belief in general that Linux is difficult. This is not true as installing the platform is both simple and fun.
Though the steps are straight-forward, the screens that pop-up during the installation process is far different from Windows. To check if your device is compatible with the OS and there are no problems with the applications, boot your system with a LiveCD. LiveCDs run the OS directly from a disk and you don’t have to install it.
If there are no issues, you can go ahead with Linux Distro. Linux versions are classified into distros. Choose a distro based on your computing requirements. Pick the version you wish to install and download the official ISO file from the website and copy into a CD.
Here are the steps:
- First, create a backup of all the data you have on your hard drive. By doing this, you will not lose any of your data if something goes wrong during the installation process.
- After creating a backup, partition the hard drive the way you want it. If you are planning on a dual boot, free the rest of the space except for the Windows part.
- Insert the disk containing the .iso file and start your computer. When your device boots, give the CD as your booting device.
- Now, your computer will automatically boot through the CD. When prompted, click on the ‘Install’ option.
- As Linux makes use of different file formatting systems, you will be given formatting and hard drive re-partitioning choices.
- If it is a dual boot, ensure your other Operating System does not get over-written or erased.
- You have to choose a language after the partitioning is complete. You will have choices as Linux supports a wide range of languages. You can choose a language now and change it later if you wish.
- Next, you will be prompted to choose the applications you want installed in your device. You can bundle apps, games, drivers and documents onto your OS. Choose the applications according to the space you have in your disk. To make your job easier, there will be brief descriptions about each app. You can check and un-check apps accordingly.
- The next step is the network settings configuration. Once you configure, the installation manager can download the required drivers from the Internet.
- After network configuration, the rest of the steps are automated. You get a notification once the process is complete.
Once the installation is done, you have to remove the disk and restart your computer. You can now use Linux as the Operating System on your computer. An advantage with Linux is that it is available for free. So, if you are not happy with a particular distro, you can always try the other options. Installation, as you can see, takes only a couple of minutes.
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