New member looking to install Linux on my old laptop

RedTara

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Hi,
New member here and I'm looking to install Linux on my old redundant Dell laptop. There seems to be many options available.
Are there any recommendations as to my best option?
I'm looking for a simple install and not needing to keep windows so it will be just Linux as the one and only operating system.
So far I'm drawn to Ubuntu and installing from a bootable USB stick.
Is there a better option for me?
Any help gratefully welcome.
:)
 


Hi,
New member here and I'm looking to install Linux on my old redundant Dell laptop. There seems to be many options available.
Are there any recommendations as to my best option?
I'm looking for a simple install and not needing to keep windows so it will be just Linux as the one and only operating system.
So far I'm drawn to Ubuntu and installing from a bootable USB stick.
Is there a better option for me?
Any help gratefully welcome.
:)
Fedora is nice, but you can choose any distro you like.
 
Welcome to the Forums @RedTara
please state full model number of your Dell, so we can look at the full specifications
 
Hello RedTara,
Welcome to the Linux.org Forums, you'll find help here. Enjoy your Journey with Linux. One thing you'll find is that there are many choices in Linux. Take your time a try a few of the live USB's and then choose the one that fits your Hardware and computing needs. For me Mint would be a good choice. But MX is also a good choice. It will depend a bit on what dell you have. If you can boot the live session of any distro and all or most of the hardware works you should be good to go.
This Blog by KGIII may be of help also https://linux-tips.us/search/linux+distro
Also this page may help you navigate the distro Choice.
 
Right had a look at the spec sheet, that is quite a modern laptop,
it is caperble of running ANY distribution you fancy
 
Basic install instructions to replace windows with Linux
choose your distribution
go to the website and download your chosen distribution and take a note of sha sum [you will need this to check after making the install medium ]
using an iso burning program [most of us recommend Etcher], burn your download as a bootable Iso pen-drive
to install
1, plug in the machine
2 insert Iso , usb into drive
3 switch on and open the short boot menu [method depends on make/model of machine/motherboard] [dell is usualy jiggle F12 as you switch on
look down the list and find usb click on it and enter, after a few seconds it should start to load to Ram, [you do not need a harddrive at this stage]
4,when it is loaded check everything works ok [wi-fi, sound, graphics] easiest way to do this is click on the wireless icon find your router and enter the password, when loaded go to your favorite music video site and pick something your familiar with, if it plays ok and the picture looks good you can then decide if you want to take a chance on installing.
5, double click the install button the iso will then check the components of your machine this may take several seconds to a couple of minuets, then provided everything checks out ok it will start to install

6. watch it install when it asks about partitioning choose use complete disc, you will also be asked if you wish to install non-free/proprietary drivers tick the box for yes and enter
you will need to enter information as it installs so keep an eye on it, a typical linux installation can take from 10 to 20 minuets [far less than windows]
7. when it has installed you will get a message do you wish to re-start now, accept

Now sit back whilst it re-boots then it will take a couple more minuets to clean up the installation and get rid of the install files,
then if all goes well we will have a working linux lappy

[If you wish to make a duel boot system select the install alongside windows option]

Bwiz
 
Basic install instructions to replace windows with Linux
choose your distribution
go to the website and download your chosen distribution and take a note of sha sum [you will need this to check after making the install medium ]
using an iso burning program [most of us recommend Etcher], burn your download as a bootable Iso pen-drive
to install
1, plug in the machine
2 insert Iso , usb into drive
3 switch on and open the short boot menu [method depends on make/model of machine/motherboard] [dell is usualy jiggle F12 as you switch on
look down the list and find usb click on it and enter, after a few seconds it should start to load to Ram, [you do not need a harddrive at this stage]
4,when it is loaded check everything works ok [wi-fi, sound, graphics] easiest way to do this is click on the wireless icon find your router and enter the password, when loaded go to your favorite music video site and pick something your familiar with, if it plays ok and the picture looks good you can then decide if you want to take a chance on installing.
5, double click the install button the iso will then check the components of your machine this may take several seconds to a couple of minuets, then provided everything checks out ok it will start to install

6. watch it install when it asks about partitioning choose use complete disc, you will also be asked if you wish to install non-free/proprietary drivers tick the box for yes and enter
you will need to enter information as it installs so keep an eye on it, a typical linux installation can take from 10 to 20 minuets [far less than windows]
7. when it has installed you will get a message do you wish to re-start now, accept

Now sit back whilst it re-boots then it will take a couple more minuets to clean up the installation and get rid of the install files,
then if all goes well we will have a working linux lappy

[If you wish to make a duel boot system select the install alongside windows option]

Bwiz
Many thanks and much appreciated
 

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