Install on a hard drive or a solid state drive..(ssd is faster) For Linux, the file system, or format, is usually ext4.
Not something you have to worry about. The Linux installer will automatically format the space you are using for Linux to ext4
The ""oh yea its just like windows , just burn it into a usb stick then boot in bios and boom" "" ....is largely correct....the really Incorrect part is "" its just like windows""....Linux is NOT windows, and never will be.
https://linux.oneandoneis2.org/LNW.htm
The simplest, most sure way to put aside all your fears and trepidation is to ""burn" it into a usb stick then boot it on your PC.... and there you have Linux,
LIVE version. (Also known as the
Test version....use it to Test out your
pc's hardware and also see if
YOU like it
Use Balena Etcher to 'burn' the Linux .iso to a 8GB usb stick bigger than 8GB is fine....just not smaller)
(
Balena Etcher)
Linux Mint Cinnamon/Xfce/Mate LMDE 7
(IMPORTANT....go into bios and turn off secure boot and fast boot. Read below.....
Most newer models show "UEFI only" because the platform does not support Legacy Boot mode.
- Under Storage, SATA/NVMe Operation, check that AHCI/NVMe is selected.
- Under Boot Configuration, Secure Boot, Enable Secure Boot, check that this is set to OFF. Also Fast Boot. OFF
- Click the Apply Changes button at the bottom and then the Exit button.
- Under the System Configuration section, SATA Operation, check that the dot is selected for Advanced Host Controller Interface (AHCI).
If any of these do not apply to your particular PC/Laptop, either ignore or ask for guidance for your particular situation.
This will not affect any install of windows already on the pc)
To get into
bios, tap the following key depending on laptop/desktop make:
To get into BIOS...
Acer: F2 or DEL
ASRock: F2 or DEL
ASUS: F2 for all PCs, F2 or DEL for motherboards
Dell: F2 or F12
ECS: DEL
Gigabyte/Aorus: F2 or DEL
HP: F10 or ESC
Lenovo (Consumer Laptops): F2 or Fn + F2
Lenovo (Desktops): F1
Lenovo (ThinkPads): Enter then F1
MSI: DEL
Microsoft Surface Tablets: Press and hold the volume up button
Origin PC: F2
Penguin: F2 (bios)
Samsung: F2
Toshiba: F2
Zotac: DEL
Then:
Insert the usb stick when your pc is turned
Off....then start it and boot to that usb stick by tapping the relevant key for your pc/
This may take more than a few attempts. Don't lose patience. Tap gently!, don't break the keys !
The key to tap to get to
BOOT menu
Acer: Esc, F12, F9
ASUS: Esc, F8
Dell: F12
HP: Esc, F9
Lenovo: F12, F8, F10
Penguin: F7
Samsung: Esc, F12
Toshiba: F12
Sony: F11
MSI: F11
Gigabyte: F12
Intel: F10
Now...pay attention:
When Linux boots, it will be in LIVE/TEST mode. It is NOT fully installed, yet. This test mode will NOT interfere with any windows installed.
You can play around with it, navigate your way all around it, over it in it....knock yourself out!
It will be a bit slower than a fully installed system. ....but you will get a good idea how it reacts with
YOUR pc, and your hardware.
Check
sound....(youtube(via firefox browser) ,
Internet, all
keys work ? screen resolution, ...all the normal everyday things that usually work for you....test them all. Play a video, etc. connect to facebook etc etc
Please Note: if you reboot or turn your pc off or you get a power failure, Linux will be gone....Kapoof !.....The LIVE version does not survive a reboot. If you want to go again....just repeat the boot procedure to the usb stick and it will be there again (This does not happen in the FULLY installed version)
NOTE: On the desktop, there will be an icon, with the name ""Install Linux Mint"
If you double click that it will start the procedure to FULLY install Mint on your pc.
Dual booting is not something I have much experience of, so I will not comment. (when I started with Linux, I wiped windows completely.....installed Linux straight over the top of windows...Kapoof!....windows gone, Forever)
To completely wipe Windows and Install Linux
ONLY.....double click the install Linux Mint icon and follow the prompts. Install media codecs when asked. Password is up to you....Log in automatically is cool..... The password does not need to be complex...Just remember when using Linux, if you cross into the Terminal, (code etc) you will need to type in your password countless times...so an easy to type password makes a great deal of sense. (Got kids etc etc??...introduce a number into the password to increase its safety from prying little fingers.)
I don't wish to underestimate the importance of passwords. If your pc spends its time in a safe environment, then maybe you can afford to use a simplistic password..... but in open ares, coffee shops etc etc etc....keep your password secure
You will come to a screen which will offer your choices about the Installation TYPE you are going to do
1) ..Install Linux Mint alongside Windows Boot Manager... documents, music, and other personal files will be kept. You can choose which operating system you want each time the computer starts up
2) ..Erase disc, and install Linux Mint (ONLY)...Warning: This wil delete all your programs, documents, photos, music and any other files in ALL operating systems.
This will automatically partition your drive....just sit back and watch the magic happen.
3) ..Something else. You can create or resize partitions your self, or choose multiple partitions for Linux mint.
(If there is data/music/anything of importance to you on the drive...
SAVE IT elsewhere... even if you end up dual booting....save info elsewhere ! (better safe than sorry) An external drive is a must have to save wanted data etc to.
When the Install has finished, you can choose to continue messing around in Test mode....OR.....reboot your PC, take the usb stick OUT when prompted to do that.....
You are now running Linux Mint.
FULLY installed.
........... ..........................
1st step?......turn on the firewall.
click on Terminal (it is down on the left side.....hover your mouse over it...one click will open it
Copy and paste this: (accuracy matter...copy and paste ensures no typos with letters or spaces
sudo ufw enable
hit enter
type in your password....hit enter again
Your Firewall is ON
No need for adjustments. (yes it works....the only time you will need to do that again is if you reinstall)
(You
really want to check if it is actually on? (copy and paste again, please)
sudo ufw status
See?...I told you !
You can now look shocked......you have just used...code !
