How Do I Install Linux?

Are you tired of using Windows or Mac as your operating system? Do you want to try something different? Something free? Then Linux might be the right choice for you. Linux is an open-source operating system that is free to use, modify, and distribute. It is popular among developers, programmers, and IT professionals. But installing Linux on your computer might seem daunting at first. This guide will take you through the process of installing Linux on your computer step-by-step.

Before we begin, there are some things you need to check before installing Linux on your computer.

Check System Requirements

Before installing Linux, you need to check if your computer meets the system requirements. Different Linux distributions have different system requirements. Generally, Linux requires less powerful hardware than Windows or Mac. However, it still needs certain hardware specifications to run smoothly. The minimum system requirements for most Linux distributions are:

• 1 GHz processor
• 1GB RAM
• 10 GB free hard disk space
• Graphics card and monitor capable of 1024×768 resolution

If your computer meets these requirements, you are good to go. If not, you might consider upgrading your hardware or choosing a lighter version of Linux.

Choose a Linux Distribution

There are hundreds of Linux distributions to choose from. Each distribution is tailored for a specific purpose or audience. Some popular Linux distributions are Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian, and Mint. Choosing the right distribution depends on your needs and preferences. Ubuntu is a good choice for beginners as it is user-friendly and has a large community for support. If you want something lightweight, you might want to try Lubuntu or Xubuntu. You might want to try Fedora or Arch Linux if you are a developer.

Once you have chosen the Linux distribution, you need to download the ISO file from the official website. The ISO file is a disc image containing the Linux distribution installation files.

Estimated Market Share

1. Ubuntu – 33.42%
2. Debian – 16.21%
3. CentOS – 13.62%
4. Fedora – 3.26%
5. Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) – 2.47%
6. Linux Mint – 2.08%
7. openSUSE – 1.07%
8. Arch Linux – 0.62%
9. Gentoo – 0.06%
10. Slackware – 0.02%

Note that these market share estimates may vary depending on the source and methodology used to obtain them and may change over time. Additionally, many other Linux distributions are not as widely used but may be popular among certain communities or industries.

Create a Bootable USB Drive

After downloading the ISO file, you must create a bootable USB drive. A bootable USB drive allows you to install Linux on your computer. You can use software like Rufus (Windows) or Etcher (Mac) to create a bootable USB drive. Insert the USB drive and select the ISO file. Click on “Start” to create the bootable USB drive. This process might take some time, depending on the size of the ISO file and the speed of your USB drive.

Boot from USB Drive

Once you have created the bootable USB drive, you must boot your computer from it. Restart your computer and enter the boot menu by pressing a specific key (usually F12 or Del) during the boot process. Select the USB drive as the boot option and press Enter. The computer will boot from the USB drive and launch the Linux installation process.

Begin Installing Linux

Now that you have booted from the USB drive, you can install Linux on your computer. Follow the on-screen instructions to select the language, time zone, and keyboard layout. You will also be asked to choose the installation type.

For a detailed Installation of the TIG stack – check out this procedure.

Choose Installation Type

There are two installation types: “Erase disk and install Linux” and “Install Linux alongside Windows/Mac”. The first option erases everything on your hard disk and installs Linux as the only operating system. The second option installs Linux alongside your current operating system, allowing you to choose which one to use during boot-up. Choose the installation type that suits your needs.

Create Partitions

If you choose the first installation type, you must create partitions for the Linux installation. A partition is a hard disk section dedicated to a specific operating system or data. You must create at least two partitions: one for the root file system (/) and one for the swap space (virtual memory). The root file system contains the core system files, while the swap space is used when the RAM is full. Follow the on-screen instructions to create the partitions.

Set up a User Account

After creating the partitions, you need to set up a user account. This account is used to log in to the Linux system. Enter your name, username, and password. You might also be asked to set up a hostname (computer name). Once you have finished setting up the user account, the installation process will begin.

Installing Linux might initially seem daunting, but it is not as complicated as it seems. With this guide, you can install Linux on your computer quickly. Remember to check the system requirements, choose the right Linux distribution, create a bootable USB drive, boot from the USB drive, and follow the on-screen instructions to install Linux. Once you have installed Linux, you will have a free and open-source operating system that is powerful, customizable, and secure.

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