What are the criteria for installing Linux operating system?

Answer 1

For the installation of most free/open-source desktop 'Linux' distros, you will need the following:

1: An Intel/AMD type x86-32/64bit machine with at least 512MB RAM & 10GB HDD; preferably a 'spare' one - dual-booting IS a BAD idea, although many 'Linux' operators run several 'Linux' distros on the same machine!

2: Belief in there being such a thing as a free lunch:

You want something 'better' than Windows, but either cannot afford to buy or aren't prepared to buy a new Mac machine (you don't see many second-hand Macs). But, nearly ALL of the software & applications can be downloaded for 'free' from your OS's 'synaptic package manager': you WILL find that there can be such a thing as too much choice! There are DOZENS of 'Linux' distros out there.

3: A love of passwords:

Generally, you need a password & permission to do anything, even if you're the system administrator or sole user. This is because 'Linux' distros are built with multiple users in mind.

4: Plenty of time on your hands:

Unless you're just an end-user who just wants a PC for web-browsing, emailing, downloading, ripping, etc., you may well find yourself spending hours in 'command terminal' trying to install proprietary hardware, etc. This is where you find that 'freedom' isn't entirely free. However, most 'Linux' users are 'system-operators' rather than consumers, which is why they get 'Linux' in the first place: OK, they're hackers; & 'Linux' is perfect for hacking, because it built like LEGO(tm) or Meccano(tm).

5: A love of variety or incosistency:

You will ideally have a liking for changing your operating system at least once every six months, & virtually starting all over again, because you hardware no longer works with the 'updated' system. Realistically, the people who like 'Linux' also tend to like like giant DIY toyshops! "If you've not changed your 'Linux' distro in the last 12 months, it's about time you did!" (paraphrased from I can't remember which online 'Linux' website).

6: A love of forums:

You will spend a LOT of time looking on forums for advice on how to resolve problems, install hardware, etc., much of which will neither make sense, nor be relevant to the particular version of the distro you're using. Many 'Linux' distros have a certain self-justifiable pride about being community-based. Be aware though, that many 'Linux' types don't care a jot whether or not you use 'Linux' - they're a bunch of quasi-anarchists, who take pride in their individuality AND the individuality of their individual machines, who nevertheless tend to be generous with their advice, even if you don't understand it - you can always learn.

7: A willingness to learn:

Unless 'Linux' is your first OS ever, in which case you won't be any the wiser, you will have a LOT to learn - 'Linux' is NOT Windows or Mac, & many of the processes are quite different. If you're not just an end-user, you WILL learn some coding protocols. Until you've mastered you own 'Linux box' & tailored it to your own requirements, in which case it's time to either upgrade or change to a different 'flavour' of 'Linux', you will learn that EVERYONE else's 'Linux' distro is better than yours!

If you're seriously thinking of changing to 'Linux', don't say you haven't been warned!

Good luck,

Archangel