Installing Linux

So you finally got tired of paying the freight every time Microsoft releases a new operating system, and you have decided to make a switch. Good choice. Not only will you save money, but I doubt you will notice any difference in your productivity.  In fact, you may actually accomplish more by having access to tens-of-thousands of free programs and applications.

This article, and the accompanying video, will guide you through the ease of installing Linux on your computer. But first, we need to tell you where and how to get Linux. One of the most comprehensive listings of Linux distributions on the web is from where else, Linux.com (http://www.linux.com/directory/Distributions/Desktop). Here they have categorized dozens of Linux distros. Most are for desktop use, but there is a growing number of distros specifically designed for the smaller footprint of mobile devices, such as netbooks. We have linked to the "Desktop" category.

Once you find a distribution you feel is right for you, simply download it, burn it to a CD or USB stick, place it into the appropriate drive, and reboot. You are now ready to install Linux. But first, a few things to mull over while you are drinking your morning coffee. If you are not quite ready to give up Windows, don't fret; Linux allows you two options for using a Linux and Windows OS on the same computer.

The first is known as "Live CD," and most Linux distributions now support this feature. "Live CD" allows you to run Linux over top of a Windows installation. You can install applications, run programs, surf the net, save files, keep up with social networks, and anything else you would do with a normally installed system.

Installing a "Live CD" is simple. Just enter "Try [distribution]" or "Install Live CD" option at the very beginning of the install process. Linux takes care of the rest. If you decide you would like to install Linux on your computer, you may do so from the "Live CD" desktop interface.

The other option is running Linux along side another operating system. This option, known as "dual booting," is very effective, but does have one major drawback. Linux overrides Window's MBR (Master Boot Record) with "Grub," the preferred Linux bootloader. On most systems, the process is handled smoothly. When you boot into your computer, you are presented with an option of which system you would like to run, "Linux," or "Windows." Sometimes however, "Grub" either gets corrupted, or installed in the wrong folder, and your computer cannot find it. This tutorial is not going to address what you should do in these situations.

One reason is that the configuration and location of "Grub" can vary from distribution to distribution. The other reason is the topic is much too broad for this tutorial. The good news is, a host of information is readily available on the Internet. Simply type in "Grub bootloader problem," along with the name of your distribution (Ubuntu, Fedora, Suse, etc).

Linux is fairly easy to install, even if you are setting up a dual boot system. The accompanying video -quality, or lack thereof not withstanding - will guide you easily through the process. One important point to remember; Linux is very good at scoping out your system and its connected devices. Therefore, you only need to use the default values provided when presented with options.

Another important factor in Linux is security. During install on most distributions, you will be required to key in a "username" and "password." Linux will not allow you to proceed without these values. Other distributions require this during the first boot-up after the system is installed. There are a minimum of two passwords that are required for every Linux system; root, and the primary user. Some Linux distributions use the primary user's password as the root password, while others require a separate values for user and root. The latter configuration is usually found on Red Hat based systems, while the former is usually inherent to Debian based distributions. See "Choosing a Linux Distro" for more information detailing the differences between Linux's two main distributions.

We hope this helps with your liberation from expensive operating systems.