If you are reading this, you have probably already heard a bit about the benefits of Linux and open source software. The purpose of this article is to help get you over some rough spots typically encountered by first-time users.
If you have ever installed the Windows operating system, you will find that the process is not fundamentally different for Linux. What can be confusing is simply that there are more options and choices.
The Test Drive
One of the great things about modern Linux systems is that many are available in a “Live CD” format. This allows you to operate a Linux system without installing it to your hard drive—thereby not disturbing any of your other programs and files. You simply boot your computer from the Linux CD. The only downside is that—running from CD—the system will be slow. Another risk-free approach is to use a second computer dedicated to Linux. See “How to Install” below.
Decisions, Decisions
Good News: Linux offers lots of choices.
Bad News: You have to make some choices.
Which Linux?Because Linux is developed and maintained in an open community environment , there are no constraints on the number of different versions. While the choices now run in the hundreds, many versions are only slightly different than others. The authoritative reference for the various Linux versions (AKA “distributions” or “distros”) is http://distrowatch.com/ . At this site you will find detailed specifications and reviews for all of the various Linux versions. I normally advise new users to pick anything in the top ten on the “hit list”.
While it may be tempting to pay for a packaged distribution, I advise new users to start with one of the many free versions. After putting your toe in the water, you can always buy a paid version later if the features and support are attractive to you.
If you have a reasonably good Internet connection, then I recommend getting a distro which does the initial install from just one CD, and then get everything else over the net using the package manager.
How to Install?An ideal way to get started is to use a spare computer and install Linux as the only operating system. This will be no more difficult than installing something like Microsoft Windows. Another easy way is to install a second hard drive in your computer and use that for Linux. This can be done such that your existing system is not disturbed.
The most common setup is called “Dual-Boot”. This applies to systems with only one hard drive—and to those with multiple drives. The existing boot code (eg for Windows) is replaced by a Linux version, which then displays a menu allowing you to choose which operating system to use. While dual-boot is often a major sticking point for new users, there are ways to set it up that are essentially foolproof.
Another increasingly popular option is called “Virtualisation”. Here, a “virtual machine” is created in software, and then the new operating system is installed on that virtual machine. In this approach, both operating systems are running simultaneously. Since I have no personal experience with this approach, I am not going to discuss it further. A Google search will give you all kinds of information.
Diving In
Once you have taken the test drive and/or made a few decisions, you are ready to get started. Before launching into any of the typical methods, it is useful to have a basic grasp of booting and hard disk partitions. These articles may be helpful:
To install Linux, you need several things:
An installation CD or DVD
A hard disk with at least 5GBytes of empty (unpartitioned) space
About 1 hour
Perhaps a fresh pot of coffee
I will describe 3 scenarios—with the easiest one first. Each of these of course has variants, some of which will be obvious after you have done one installation. For each of these, I am assuming that you have a Linux CD or DVD. A few points common to all approaches:
You may need to adjust your BIOS settings so that the computer will boot from a CD (or DVD). If you need some help on this, go here.
If you choose manual partitioning, then don't use the whole disk. By leaving extra space, you will have flexibility to rearrange things later.
Don't be tempted to create a lot of different partitions on your first install. All you really need is two partitions: One ~ 5-10GByte for the root filesystem (AKA “/”), and another ~1GByte for swap space.
You will need to know the basic parameters for your Internet connection. If you need help with this, go here.
A backup of any important data is strongly recommended.
Dedicated Computer:No preparation is required—the Linux installer will set up the required partitions, and all you need to do is provide some basic information about your system. With any of the modern, mainstream distros, you should have no difficulty getting a successful installation.
The steps:
Boot from the CD. If it is a “live” CD, there will be a “install” command on the desktop or in one of the menus.
Follow the installer instructions and provide all of the requested information. If you are unsure about something, make an educated guess—you have nothing to lose!!
When given the choice, have the installer put the boot loader on the mbr (Master Boot Record) of the drive.
Separate Hard Drive:You can buy an extra hard drive for around $50, and install Linux such that your existing system is undisturbed. If you have a bit of healthy paranoia, you can even disconnect the existing drive before proceeding. If you have never ventured inside your computer, go here for some tips—or maybe select another option.
The steps:
Everything is the same as the previous example, except:
Be sure that you select the correct drive for the Linux installation. If it is not obvious, STOP. If you choose the wrong drive you could wipe out your existing system.
Put the bootloader in the mbr of the same drive used to install Linux. In this way, you existing system on the other drive is not disturbed. You will now boot into the new Linux system by changing the boot order in the BIOS. Alternatively, you can put the Linux boot loader on a floppy disk.
Dual-Boot:The additional complication here is that you generally need to re-size an existing partition to make space for Linux. Before you do this, it is extremely important to make sure that all of your data is backed up. If the system is old, you may also have to “de-fragment” the existing system before re-sizing.
A better method is to simply re-install the existing OS (typically Windows), telling the installer to only use maybe 10-15GB on the drive.
If you do not have an installation disk for your existing system you cannot do the above—and you should think twice about the re-sizing option.
Finally, you will be installing the Linux bootloader such that you are offered a choice of which system to boot into. The typical Linux installer will automatically detect a Windows system and automatically configure the boot loader. If something goes astray, go here for tips on setting things up.
With these points in mind, the installation steps are the same as described previously.
Now What?
Once you have installed Linux, it is time to go exploring and get acquainted. During the process of installation and initial exploration, you will notice several things:
Most of the required drivers are installed automatically. You will not have to go searching for the individual disks for the video card, sound card, etc.
The basic installation will include many of the common applications (word processing, browsers, e-mail clients)
There is more emphasis on the use of the terminal (command-line) for certain kinds of setup. In the long-term, it will pay to learn the most basic commands.
Even though most or all of the required drivers are installed automatically, there still may be some tweaking required to get everything working.
While the interface for some systems may initially look like Windows, the details of operation are quite different.
Take the time to explore things and get comfortable with the basic menus, behavior of the desktop, etc. Then, learn the basics of the package manager—you will be amazed at the amount of free software which can be installed over the net.
Help!!!Yes, you may need help eventually. Each distribution typically has a help forum, but the premier “help desk” is LinuxQuestions.org. While they will offer you the opportunity to contribute, the site is entirely free, and is frequented by some extremely knowledgeable people.
Be patient, try things, and ask questions. Once “up the curve” a bit, you will find it very rewarding.