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Posted on 05/06/2025 10:01:53 AM PDT by ransomnote
ransomnote: This is just one of the countless articles and videos about installing Linux. It's written using Ubuntu as an example, but it also lists 5 popular distros (e.g., versions) of Linux in the article, and there are over 1000 different distros beyond those.
Learn how to install Linux with this detailed step-by-step guide, covering everything from system requirements to post-installation setup.
Linux, a versatile and powerful open-source operating system, has gained immense popularity among developers, IT professionals, and everyday users alike. Unlike proprietary systems like Windows or macOS, Linux offers unparalleled flexibility, security, and control over your computing environment. Whether you’re looking to breathe new life into an old computer, create a dedicated server, or simply explore the world of open-source software, installing Linux is an excellent choice.
This guide will take you through a step-by-step process to install Linux on your computer, catering to both beginners and experienced users. From selecting the right Linux distribution to the actual installation and configuration, this article will cover everything you need to know to get started with Linux.
Understanding Linux Distributions
Before diving into the installation, it’s important to understand that Linux is not just a single operating system but a collection of distributions (or distros). Each distribution has its own set of features, interfaces, and tools, tailored for specific use cases. Popular distributions include:
- Ubuntu: Known for its user-friendly interface, extensive community support, and ease of use, Ubuntu is ideal for beginners. It’s a great starting point for those new to Linux.
- Fedora: A cutting-edge distribution known for incorporating the latest software updates. It’s perfect for developers who want the latest tools.
- Debian: A stable and reliable choice, known for its conservative approach to software updates. It’s often used for servers and is the foundation for many other distributions.
- Arch Linux: A rolling-release distribution that offers full control over the system. It’s best suited for advanced users who enjoy customizing every aspect of their OS.
- Linux Mint: Built on Ubuntu and designed to be easy for new users, Mint provides a familiar desktop experience similar to Windows.
The choice of distribution largely depends on your needs, technical skill level, and personal preferences. For this guide, we will focus on installing Ubuntu, as it’s one of the most accessible and widely supported Linux distributions.
More at link: Installing Linux: A Step-by-Step Guide
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I can't vouch for this article beyond saying it looks reasonable and of those I sampled, the language is simplest. However, I defer to those who have expertise to know whether this or other materials would work best for FReepers.
https://ubuntu.com/tutorials/try-ubuntu-before-you-install#1-getting-started
https://docs.fedoraproject.org/en-US/quick-docs/creating-and-using-a-live-installation-image/
I believe most MB bios’ started supporting booting through the USB bus at least 10 years ago, but particularly in the older versions, you had to turn that function on in settings.
THANK YOU! I was just looking for USB-based installs this morning and ya came to the rescue. I’ve got a lot of external storage stuff going on, and I’m not sure I won’t have horrible problems with Linux. This will settle my mind some.
dumBest questiion of the day: Does this take up a lot of memory?
Our developer environment is a VM running Ubuntu
IMO there's no single "best", or even a few "bests". Everybody's got their own preferences including for picking a distro, how it installs, what the options mean to them, and then of course how to configure it for their own use.
That said, I've installed Linux, mostly Ubuntu, on hundreds of computers since about 2001: RedHat/RHEL, Fedora, CentOS, Debian, SuSE, Raspberry, and for the past decade or so, almost all Ubuntu, both Desktop versions and headless Server versions.
Every one has its peculiarities and quirks, things it does better or worse than some other variant.
All that said, I tend to recommend Ubuntu Desktop, or Mint for a true novice. They're both pretty trivial to install if you're willing to work with their defaults during installation.
So first time out, take all the defaults and see how you like it, without committing to it. Then if you think you want to customize the installation, wipe and re-install, with whatever you learned from the first time.
In the General/Chat forum, on a thread titled Installing Linux: A Step-by-Step Guide [FREEPER EXPERTS, PLEASE CRITIQUE THIS ARTICLE OR ADD YOUR OWN SUGGESTED LINKS FOR INSTALLATION OR LEARNING], sopo wrote: dumBest questiion of the day: Does this take up a lot of memory?
Good question. Linux for desktop (I don't know servers) uses, by design, older equipment and those with limited memory very well. Some of the Distros (Linux and Mint) maintain older versions of the distro for those with the oldest equipment. You can say LInux uses less Memory and resources than Windows.
In the General/Chat forum, on a thread titled Q ~ Trust Trump's Plan ~ 05/01/2025 Vol.507, Q Day 2742, Grammy wrote: Mr G upgraded his computers to windows 11 and it has been hell around here ever since. All his work apps quit working. Trying to get them going again is a pita especially since many of them are from Europe. He finally returned one of his computers to 10 and is trying to salvage his life. Not a good thing.
That's part of what I want to avoid. The primary motivator for me was a chip (Trusted Platform Module a.k.a. TPM) in computers equipped to run Windows 11. The chip 'protects you' (insert sarcasm tag here) and while I don't really think they were forthcoming as to its capabilities, some geeks seem to be saying that the chip means no more anonymity. The chip uniquely identifies your computer. Many articles, like the excerpt below treat the TPM like a normal requirement, so I am erring on the side of caution (Which is what people climbing into lifeboats hanging off the side of the Titanic most likely thought).
Why Windows 11 requires a TPM - and how to get around it
Windows 11 officially requires a Trusted Platform Module. Here's what it does and how you can work around that requirement if your old PC doesn't have one.When Microsoft introduced Windows 11 in 2021, its new, stringent hardware compatibility test included checking for the presence of a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) -- specifically, one that meets the TPM 2.0 standard.
So, what is a TPM, and why does Windows insist that you need one?
The simple answer is that a TPM is a secure cryptoprocessor, a dedicated microcontroller designed to handle security-related tasks and manage encryption keys in a way that minimizes the ability of attackers to break into a system.
I think that means they can control who accesses which websites and cut off access based on anything (driving record, tax records, vax records etc.) so you could have a dead computer unless you behave. I think it means they are further transitioning from 'letting' you purchase non Microsoft Software, and when buying from Microsoft, will soon require a continuous subscription for each program you use (forcing your computer to conform to their standards) to essentially 'rent' programs.
Compare that to Linux, for the operating system and programs are free, and which are crowdsourced security so everyone can look at the code and ask, "Hey, what's that new line of code there? What does it do? Let me check that out...." In Windows, the core of the source code (kernal) is encrypted so Microsoft can do whatever it wants and you won't know.
For example, Elon Musk noted the Windows function which takes real-time screen captures (everything on your screen, including what you are typing) and saves them so that 'you' have a complete record of everything you put on your computer, and you can search it with AI. Older computers are not powerful enough to run this function efficiently, if at all. I believe this means that Microsoft can search your computer the same way, and access everything on it.
Also, when I set up my computers with Win 10, I avoid using the pubic logon (you have to log into your Microsoft Account every time you use your computer) and instead I have a local account (I log in to just my computer). For those who do have to log in to Microsoft, then it seems to me they have access to your computer, and they can end that access if you 'violate community standards' or some other requirement they have.
Bkmk
Bott? The guy’s name is Bott?
Can’t make this stuff up.
Or, jam in the bootable USB, follow prompts, remove usb and reboot.
The dreaded pubic logon!
...Musk noted the Windows function which takes real-time screen captures (everything on your screen, including what you are typing) and saves them so that 'you' have a complete record of everything you put on your computer, and you can search it with AI. Older computers are not powerful enough to run this function efficiently, if at all.
How old are we talking about? Windows 8, 7, or what?
I believe this means that Microsoft can search your computer the same way, and access everything on it.
I presume they can only do this if you have an internet connection...? Or are they advanced enough to swoop down and activate what you shut off in the settings?
Note I said serious questions, I made no claims to intelligent questions. :D
It could then it couldn't but https://gizmodo.com/windows-controversial-recall-is-back-heres-how-to-control-it-2000589002 reports,
Remember Recall? It’s been close to full trip around the sun since Microsoft announced then suddenly pulled its AI-powered, auto-screenshotting “photographic memory” software for Copilot+ PCs. Whether you want it or not, the feature is coming back, and you should be prepared for it not just if you’re planning to use it, but if you imagine any of your friends, family, or coworkers plan to use it too.
Microsoft’s latest blog about the Windows Insider build KB5055627 includes the note that Recall is rolling out “gradually” to beta users over the coming weeks. Like what Microsoft first showed off in May 2024, Recall automatically screenshots most apps, webpages, or documents you’re on. The system catalogues all these screenshots then uses on-device AI to parse what’s on each screenshot. Users can then search through those screenshots and return to those pages with a single click.
Microsoft originally recalled Recall when security experts found glaring, obvious holes in the software that let any user with access to the PC read the AI’s excerpts. The program had no qualms about screenshotting bank accounts, social security numbers, or any other sensitive information. Microsoft returned Recall to the drawing board, and now users need to enroll in Windows Hello biometric or PIN security to access the screenshots. Users can also pause screenshots or filter out certain apps or specific webpages (though only for Edge, Firefox, Opera, and Chrome browsers)
Users will choose whether to enable or disable Recall the first time they startup their device with the new update. To disable it, you need to search “Turn Windows features on or off” in the Windows 11 taskbar, then uncheck Recall. - . - https://gizmodo.com/windows-controversial-recall-is-back-heres-how-to-control-it-2000589002
What could go wrong?
My old but capable PC runs Mint, which sees lots of use for browsing and email (not by me) yet i found today that it could not even open a PDF. Which is the best Linux version for Mint for that?
“Or you could skip the install and try the live versions that boots from a USB drive.”
I would like to add “Puppy Linux” to that list...
And a really cool one is what I am using as a base for mine. Little more technical but very cool. The Developer Barry K encourages taking his work and making it your own as you like. You might be interested in the mechanics of how he put this together. The base stays intact not touched on the stick, while it loads a “clone” image in RAM. The second clone runs in RAM and never touches the internal drive. It never leaves a trace unless you purposely access the internal drive. And it is designed to create additional isolated containers like docker with just a click.
It is under half a Gig in size. And it does not use an .iso install. It is all based on images and three base files that can be copied to any drive or partition. For extra containers it just clones what everimage you already have customized from a catalog of images. Pretty slick stuff. I have just striped it down a bit and removed a lot of apps that will not be needed and and I am hooking the underground apps into it as we talked about in the other thread. You might like to check this out... From the same Dev as Puppy Linux but a WHOLE different secure critter... Even comes with a server default.
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