Installing Linux

First of all let me explain you all that what is Linux? 

Just like Windows, iOS, and Mac OS, Linux is an operating system. It is the most popular OS. Android, is powered by Linux.

An operating system is software that manages all of the hardware resources associated with your desktop or laptop. To put it simply, the operating system manages the communication between your software and your hardware. Without the operating system (OS), the software wouldn?t function.

Why use Linux?

This is the one of the most common question most people ask. Why anyone wants to use linux when pre-installed operating systems like windows or macos just works fine?

Well first reason to install linux on your machine is because the freedom it gives to user. You can remove or modify every aspect of the operating system, You dont like theme change it and it just not 100 or 200 themes there are 1000s of themes you can try without even paying extra cost. Talking about cost the linux is completely free to use whether its for personal or commercial purpose, its completely free. You can even remove inbulit apps which you dont like. Linux is highly customizable operating system. The most popular operating system on planet is linux. You may be thinking how ? Let me clear one thing, the phone you are using runs on android. And android is completely built on linux kernel. I will explain linux kernel in detail later. Even most of the supercomputers and servers runs linux without even stopping for years. 

If the zero cost isnt enough to switch to linux then you may be surprised that linux is less vulnerable to ransomware or viruses. 

Linux is also an Open Source Operating System. Which means you can modify the source code and publish it too. 

Distributions

Linux has a number of different versions to suit any type of user. From new users to hard-core users, you’ll find a “flavor” of Linux to match your needs. These versions are called distributions (or, in the short form, “distros”). 

Popular Linux distributions include:

• LINUX MINT

• MANJARO

• DEBIAN

• UBUNTU

• ANTERGOS (discontinued)

• SOLUS

• FEDORA

• ELEMENTARY OS

• OPENSUSE

Each distribution has a different take on the desktop. Some opt for very modern user interfaces (such as GNOME and Elementary OS’s Pantheon), whereas others stick with a more traditional desktop environment .

Desktop Environments 

What are Desktop Environments? Means there are different ways you interact with operating systems. For example windows and mac. Everyone can tell the difference between them easily. Same way there are hundreds of flavours you can try an that to completely free.

Let me list the most popular Desktop Environments:-

Cinnamon

Gnome

KDE

XFCE

Openbox

i3

Every linux desktop environment has its own purpose. You may choose anything you want.

Installing Linux on your system

For many people, the idea of installing an operating system might seem like a very daunting task. Believe it or not, Linux offers one of the easiest installations of all operating systems. In fact, most versions of Linux offer what is called a Live distribution ? which means you run the operating system from either a CD/DVD or USB flash drive without making any changes to your hard drive. You get the full functionality without having to commit to the installation. Once you’ve tried it out, and decided you wanted to use it, you simply double-click the “Install” icon and walk through the simple installation wizard.The best thing about linux is you can try operating system eithout even installing on your system.

To install Linux you just need following things:

Minimum 8gb USB Flash Drive

Linux ISO (which you can download from specific sites)

Rufus (assuming you are coming from windows)

Lets start with the installation

1. Download ISO

Head on to the UBUNTU website

Click on Get Ubuntu

Click on UBUNTU desktop

As you can see there are two version on the page currently. You can choose any version you want, installation process for all the version are same. But I recommend you to choose latest version to get the best experience. So you may click on Ubuntu 19.10 Download button and your download should began.

After download is completed you will end with iso file in your download location.

I will show you to burn that iso image to usb flash drive.

For that you will need to download rufus (you can choose any other usb writer if you know how to use it).

Go to download section. There will be different download options click on any option. your download will begin. Open the downloaded file.

Your USB drive will be automatically selected if it is connected to your system.

Now head over to second column. There you will see select button, click on it, a file manager window will open. Now you have to select your downloaded ISO file. Leave rest of the options as it is. And click on START button. Remember this process will delete all the data on your flash drive.

So, you will have to backup your data first.

This process will take some time. After installing ubuntu on USB flash drive, close rufus and shut down your system.

Keep your USB flash drive connected to your system.

Turn on system.

Now you have to enter it in your PC's boot menu from were you are going to select yout USB flash drive.

Every manufacturers have different key combination to enter boot menu just google it.

After entering boot menu select your USB flash drive.

System will start booting into your UBUNTU operating system.

After booting into ubuntu there will be two options

Try Ubuntu option will let you use ubuntu without installing on to your system.

And the second option will let you install ubuntu on to your system.

You will first be asked to select your keyboard layout. If the installer doesn't guess the default layout correctly, use the ‘Detect Keyboard Layout' button to run through a brief configuration procedure.

After selecting Continue you will be asked What apps would you like to install to start with? The two options are ‘Normal installation' and ‘Minimal installation'. The first is the equivalent to the old default bundle of utilities, applications, games and media players - a great launchpad for any Linux installation. The second takes considerably less storage space and allows you to install only what you need.

Beneath the installation-type question are two checkboxes; one to enable updates while installing and another to enable third-party software.

• We advise enabling both Download updates and Install third-party software.
• Stay connected to the internet so you can get the latest updates while you install Ubuntu.
• If you are not connected to the internet, you will be asked to select a wireless network, if available. We advise you to connect during the installation so we can ensure your machine is up to date

Use the checkboxes to choose whether you'd like to install Ubuntu alongside another operating system, delete your existing operating system and replace it with Ubuntu, or — if you're an advanced user — choose the 'Something else' option.

After configuring storage, click on the ‘Install Now' button. A small pane will appear with an overview of the storage options you've chosen, with the chance to go back if the details are incorrect.

Click Continue to fix those changes in place and start the installation process.

That's it. Next everything you can do on your own.

You may now have to choose your location.

Next step will be to put your login details.

And it will start installing UBUNTU on your operating system.

After everything has been installed and configured, a small window will appear asking you to restart your machine. Click on Restart Now and remove either the DVD or USB flash drive when prompted. If you initiated the installation while testing the desktop, you also get the option to continue testing.

Congratulations! You have successfully installed the world's most popular Linux operating system!

It's now time to start enjoying Ubuntu!