How to install a Linux operating system

Well i will go over how to install a Linux operating system. Guide is based on installing on a IBM compatible PC.
Remember: Tons of Windows applications can not be performed on a Linux OS.

What Linux is: Linux is a operating system, to me, is like a hybrid between windows and a mac OS. It's secure, fast, and free. But a lot of programs will not work on Linux, but luckily you have a package manger, that will download files for you, and will install it, with two or three clicks. There are a lot of programs that have be edited for linux OS's to run properly. Take advantage of that package manager. Some more advantages of Linux, as opposed to windows, Is, It's a lot harder to get a virus, There are about 200 known ones, unlike windows, I've never met a person who has gotten a virus while using a Linuix OS.

There is however a program called wine 1.2, It allows linux to run .exe, so you can setup windows live aka MSN, or other programs, But i feel it does not work very good. Both of these copies of Linux comes with X-Chat, a IRC program, and a program to run a lot of Messenger programs, such as MSN, AIm, And tons more.

This guide requires basic knowledge on how to burn a CD.

Short words:
OS= Operating System
LM8= Linux Mint 8 Helena

First of all, why linux OS do you want?


A list of some good Linux OS's:

1: Ubuntu
2: Linux Mint 8 Helena (Modified version of Ubuntu- Similar to windows, as far as look.)


This is Ubuntu:



This is Linux Mint 8 helena:




As you can see, Ubuntu is more like a Mac OS, and Linux Mint 8, is more like a windows fell and look.

Now Linux Mint, is based off of Ubuntu, somewhat, they both have similar features.

It's pretty simple, I'm not going to Include screen shots, until i find my Live CD's of both Linux Mint and Ubuntu. Now to go into what live cd is, when you burn the linux ISO, to a disk, you can put the disk in, run linux, and not change ANYTHING, but nothing will be saved when you shut off your PC, it's more like a trial run, but unlimited, It's so you get to see if you like linux, before you install it fully.





Okay installing, Ubuntu or Linux Mint:

When you pop in the ISO, Ubuntu/LM8 will run, then when you get on it, it will have a "Install Ubuntu/LM8" shortcut, or something like this. Click it, Then you will be asked some very simple questions. Now it will ask to partition your hard drive, or delete your hard drive, if you want to dual boot (Means two OS's) then you can partition it, with the setup, It's pretty simple, make some space for linux and keep the other OS, or simply wipe the whole hard drive, once you do this, It's not reversible if you delete your other OS. So i suggest thinking very carefully before doing this. Now, then it will go into a installing section, witch your almost done. After it installs, it will ask to reboot, do so.


Congrats you have Linux Installed


Windows: Coming soon in next guide.

 

Also a great tool to use for windows is Wubi. It will install unbuntu automatically for you under windows.

 

Thanks, does it install it like, um............. as a virtual machine? or actually on the hard drive partition.

 

Actually on the hard drive.

Got mine set to 15 GB of space available.

 

Thanks for the guide, I'm going to use this in the future =]

 

You are welcome mate.

 

Your guide isn't really that in-depth, and you might want to include a section about how to actually burn an ISO to a disk.

Your comment "As you can see, Ubuntu is more like a Mac OS, and Linux Mint 8, is more like a windows fell and look" is somewhat misleading, especially as Ubuntu uses GNOME as a UI. You also misspelled feel.

Despite the fact that I don't think you went in-depth into what the advantages are with Linux vs. Windows, the disadvantages, etc., I would still consider this a decent guide for somebody new to Linux who wants to know the very basics.

 

Thanks for the feedback Jimmy5410

I'll work on it when i can.

And yes, as far as the Ubuntu looks like Mac....

I meant the basic structure, the top back, and etc, as oppose to windows, Ubuntu reminds me more of Mac, and Linux mint, more like windows XP.