Linux Installation Guide

Installing Linux is a simple process, but it requires careful preparation. This guide will walk you through installing a Linux distribution on your system, whether as your main OS, alongside another operating system (dual-boot), or in a virtual machine.


1. Preparing for Installation

A. Choose a Linux Distribution

Select a Linux distribution based on your needs:


Beginner-friendly: Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Fedora

Lightweight: Lubuntu, Xubuntu, Puppy Linux

Advanced users: Arch Linux, Debian, Gentoo

Security-focused: Kali Linux, Parrot OS

B. Check System Requirements

Ensure your computer meets the minimum system requirements for your chosen Linux distribution.


C. Backup Your Data

Before proceeding, back up important files, especially if you plan to replace an existing OS or create a dual-boot setup.


2. Creating a Bootable USB Drive

A. Download the Linux ISO File

Visit the official website of the Linux distribution.

Download the latest ISO image (e.g., ubuntu-22.04-desktop-amd64.iso).

B. Create a Bootable USB

Use a tool to create a bootable USB:


Windows: Rufus

Mac & Linux: balenaEtcher, UNetbootin

Linux CLI: dd command

Using Rufus (Windows)

Insert a USB drive (4GB or larger).

Open Rufus, select the ISO file, and set the partition scheme (GPT for UEFI or MBR for BIOS).

Click Start to create the bootable USB.

Using the dd Command (Linux Terminal)

bash

sudo dd if=/path/to/linux.iso of=/dev/sdX bs=4M status=progress

(Replace /dev/sdX with the correct USB device name.)


3. Booting from USB & Starting Installation

A. Access BIOS/UEFI Settings

Restart your computer and enter BIOS/UEFI (press F2, F12, ESC, or DEL depending on your system).

Change the boot order to prioritize the USB drive.

Save and exit (F10).

B. Start the Linux Installer

After booting, you’ll see options like Try Linux or Install Linux.

Select Install Linux to proceed.

4. Installing Linux

A. Choose Language & Keyboard Layout

Select your preferred language and keyboard layout.

B. Connect to the Internet

Connect via Wi-Fi or Ethernet to download updates during installation.

C. Select Installation Type

Erase Disk and Install Linux – Removes all data and installs Linux as the only OS.

Install Alongside Another OS (Dual Boot) – Keeps your existing OS and installs Linux alongside it.

Manual Partitioning – For advanced users who want custom disk partitions.

D. Configure Partitions (If Custom Installation Chosen)

Recommended partitions:


/ (Root) – Minimum 20GB (Required)

/home – Stores personal files (Optional)

swap – Equal to RAM size (Recommended if RAM < 8GB)

/boot – 512MB (Optional, needed for UEFI systems)

E. Create a User Account

Set a username and password for your Linux system.

F. Begin Installation

Click Install Now and wait for the installation to complete.

5. Post-Installation Steps

A. Remove USB & Restart

Once installation is complete, remove the USB drive and reboot your system.


B. Update the System

After booting into Linux, update your system:


Debian/Ubuntu-based:

bash

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Fedora-based:

bash

sudo dnf update -y

Arch-based:

bash

sudo pacman -Syu

C. Install Essential Software

Some basic applications you may want to install:


Web browser: Firefox, Google Chrome

Multimedia player: VLC

Office suite: LibreOffice

Development tools: Git, Visual Studio Code

D. Install Drivers (If Required)

For proprietary graphics drivers (NVIDIA/AMD), use:


bash

sudo ubuntu-drivers autoinstall

6. Dual Booting with Windows (If Installed Alongside Linux)

If you installed Linux alongside Windows, you will see the GRUB bootloader at startup. Use it to choose between Linux and Windows. It is important not to override Windows files during installation of Linux to get dual boot option. If Windows OS will be replaced, than Windows OS will become unusable. User files may become unusable as well, if Linux is installed in the same partition, where these files were.

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