A Simple Guide to Linux
Posted on 14 June 2023
Your computer's running slow, you're too broke for Windows, you don't like where Microsoft, or something different—maybe it's time for something else: Linux. Linux is often seen as difficult but these days, Linux is very easy! Here's a simple walkthrough to it.
What to Know
- Installing Linux will void your warranty and will delete your data, so remember to back up your data.
- Your Windows programs will not work on Linux. You may have to find alternatives.
- You can have both Windows and Linux, but this guide will not cover that.
- You cannot get Windows back unless you find your product key and store it safely.
Step one: Getting a "live" USB
To get a live USB, you need an empty USB drive first. All the files will be wiped, so do not use a USB with data on it. The easiest way to do this is to install Fedora Media Writer, which you can obtain here. Plug in your USB and open Fedora Media Writer. Then, you should choose your "distro": for ease of use, this guide will treat different desktop environments as different distros.
Linux Mint
Linux Mint provides a Windows-like experience and has the most support, but has the "Ubuntu" backend which is controlled by a large company. To install it, go here and select "Download" under the Cinnamon Edition. Then, in Media Writer, select "Select .iso file", select your USB drive and the Linux Mint .iso file, and click Flash. Leave the USB drive in until it is complete, then move to Step 2.
Fedora Cinnamon
Fedora Cinnamon provides the same Windows-like experience with the much better Fedora backend. To install it. go to Media Writer and select "Automatic download", then select "Spins" and in the dropdown, "Fedora Cinnamon Desktop". Click Next, select your storage device, and click Flash. Leave the USB drive in until it is complete, then move to Step 2.
Fedora KDE
Fedora KDE provides a modern Windows-like experience which uses more enery than Fedora Cinnamon or Linux Mint; thus, the last two are better suited for less-powerful computers. To install it. go to Media Writer and select "Automatic download", then select "Spins" and in the dropdown, "Fedora KDE Desktop" (it should be the default). Click Next, select your storage device, and click Flash. Leave the USB drive in until it is complete, then move to Step 2.
Fedora
Fedora, by default, uses GNOME, which is an extremely simple Mac-like interface which could take a bit to get used to. To install it. go to Media Writer and select "Automatic download", then click Next (as GNOME is the default for installing Fedora). Select your storage device and then click Flash. Leave the USB drive in until it is complete, then move to Step 2.
Step 2: Boot your live USB
Turn off your computer, and turn it back on: but while it's turning back on, hold F12 until a menu comes up. (If that does not work, try F10, F8, F2, or Esc.) Select the USB drive, and you will be put into your distro. The installer should automatically pop up: follow though with the instructions and correct anything that goes wrong. (The Fedora installer can be a bit wonky, but read everything carefully and it should be fine.) Let it install in the background and when it's done, reboot and remove the USB drive. Congrats on installing Linux!