How to install Linux?

Answer 1

A number of essentials for installing Linux

One of the advantages of an open source environment like Linux is that most

versions of the operating system, which are called distributions, are available free of charge to download.

Another advantage are the many ways to install and run Linux. For example,

Linux can be installed into free space on the hard drive as long as you have installed Windows first. Then the machine can be booted either with Windows or with Linux, depending on your needs. This method is called dual booting.

Before installing a Linux distribution, remember to back up your data. Then record the network configuration information, such as the host name, IP address and DNS (domain name server). Confirm the system’s power, monitor, mouse, keyboard and printer cables are properly connected and be sure the PC can boot from a CD.

A high-speed internet connection to download a version of Linux as well as the ISO images or a DVD image for the distribution you want to download, are essential. And if you already run another operating system, you will need to re-partition the hard disk in order to install a standard Linux distribution. Most flavors of Linux, including Mandrake and Red Hat, will give you the option of automatically partitioning or allowing the user to custom partition.

You do not have to actually install Linux in your hard disk to use the operating system as there are several versions of Linux that can be downloaded and burned to a CD. These variants are known as LiveCD versions. Or you can run Linux using Virtual PC which Microsoft provides Virtual PC 2007 as a free download. And you can install Ubuntu using the Wubi installer, which installs as a file on the Windows System. There are many Linux vendors that offer free trials for free software.

There is information available about installing Linux through local Linux User Groups and at www.Linux.org.

Linux, together with a set of GNU programs, is an operating system. It was developed in the early 1990’s by Linus Torvalds at the University of Helsinki in Finland.

Answer 2

Linux is an operating system that is slightly different than other operating systems, but the Linux install is simple to complete. You can even install Linux with other operating systems if you can create a partition on your hard disk, either manually or using a software program designed to create partitions for two or more operating systems.

Basic Install

A basic Linux install is very simple. If you have a Linux based start-up disk, all you need to do is insert it into your CD drive for the install to begin. You will be prompted to follow the instructions on the screen throughout the installation process, so there is no guesswork involved. You may want to opt for a newer Linux operating system that has more than one disk. In this case, make sure that you have all the disks on hand before beginning the installation to ensure it completes properly.

If you do have to stop the Linux install before it is complete, you may need to reformat your hard drive. This is a long process that you will want to avoid if possible by ensuring you have all the disks at hand before starting the process.

Dual Installations

If you already have an operating system on your computer, your Linux install may be a little more complicated. The simplest way to partition your hard drive for two operating systems is to purchase partitioning software. The software will create the partition without damaging your existing operating system for a flawless install the first time.

You can also create your Linux install by partitioning the hard drive yourself. You will need to have a back-up copy of your existing operating system as well as the Linux software before partitioning manually. Make sure that you have saved all of your important files on disk, too, so that they aren’t lost when you re-partition the hard drive. With the right tools, your Linux install will take just a few hours to complete in a dual boot system.

Answer 3

1. Get a copy of the distribution.

A distribution is a collection of software packages that from a complete operating system. Most software used in Linux distributions is open source: This software can be freely copied and used without paying any fees. The easiest way to get this software is to download an ISO file from the distribution’s website and then burn it to a CD or DVD. Most computers come with burning software that can handle ISO files.

2. Boot your computer from the distribution.

Insert the disc or CD and restart the computer. In most cases the computer will automatically boot from a CD or DVD. If it does not boot from the disc you may need to change the computer’s boot order. When the computer first starts you will see a message with something to the effect of Press (key combination) to enter setup. Press these keys and in the following menu select boot. Here you will see a list of devices your computer boots from. Move the optical drive above the hard drive in the list so it is checked for a bootable system first.

If you are doing a fresh installation of Windows and Linux on the computer, Windows will need to be installed first. Once Linux has been installed the computer will use a boot loader to let you select whether you want to boot Linux or Windows.

3. Install the distribution.

Some distributions will bring you to an installation menu automatically while others live boot, letting you try out the software before installation. If that is the case, click on the install icon on the desktop. You will now be asked a series of questions.

Language: This is the primary language for your computer. Additional languages can be added after installation.

Keyboard layout: This can be selected from a list of models. If you are unsure of what kind of keyboard you have there will be an option to determine the keyboard type based on a series of questions.

Time Zone: Note that you will need to specify a location so local time regulations apply alongside the time zone. For example, all of North America observes daylight savings time except the Mexican state of Sonora.

Username and Password: Once the system is installed you will log in using this name and password.

Drive Partitioning: Advanced users can set the size of each part of the drive Linux uses on their computer, but most users can use the default settings. If you already have Windows installed, Linux can be installed on some of the drive’s free space.

Once these questions have been answered Linux will install on your hard drive.

Answer 4

If you download the latest 32 bit ubuntu desktop ISO and burn that to a CD, it has a really good interface for installing. It's a pretty good starting Linux Distro.