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INstall Linux OS on your PC

When you want to switch from Windows to a better system, the best option for simplicity of installation is a fast, free, and simple Linux installation.

I have installed Linux on almost all my devices and I have no complaints. I am one very happy camper.

Being a Linux user for more than a few years now I do not wish to go back to Windows. Performance is by far much better. And installing programs and applications is lightning-fast.

There are only a few things that you have to do to install Linux. This is a much easier thing to do, as Linux does not require additional installation of drivers.

Before installation, you should know if your device runs on 32 bit or 64 bit. Rarely any new device runs on 32 bit, but just check it to be sure.

You need to be sure that you download the correct Linux version ( distro). System Info in Control Panel will give you a correct answer.

The most popular Linux distribution is Ubuntu, but there is also a slimmer version, Lubuntu, that resembles Windows. The later is my favorite because of the speed and familiar environment. In any other way, it is Ubuntu.

If you prefer speed and your device has a lot of lag, I recommend Lubuntu.

Preparation – save your documents, bookmarks, passwords…

Save all your documents from Widows computer ONLINE. Don’t keep your files on another partition because Linux uses the entire Hard disk in default (simple) installation, and sometimes the old partitions/disks are not compatible with Linux installation.

Likewise, if you have other things on an old computer, save those too, including browser bookmarks (saving them in Pocket is a great idea), or simply upload the whole bookmark file to Firefox.

Do the same with the passwords. Many Linux distros come pre-installed with Firefox, so you just need to sync your Firefox account in the new Linux to get everything back.

If you have all things stored in Google Chrome, take notice that the Chrome installation may and may not work in Ubuntu/ Lubuntu ( definitely depending on the hardware-software match).

In the case of Lubuntu, you will need to install Chromium, and not Google Chrome. Although Brave and Dissenter can also be used, Chrome is available in the Lubuntu Software shop, directly in the Startup Menu under System Tools.

Creating bootable USB flash drive ( or CD)

I didn’t try installation with the CD because it was not necessary. The USB drive is enough to install the whole thing on your PC or laptop.

To install Linux, you will need either to create a bootable CD or bootable USB flash drive.

Creating a bootable flash drive lasts 5 minutes, to be honest.

You will need to download the ISO image file of the Linux distro. It is not a big deal, just a file with .iso extension.

If you have only one computer and no spare device to use in case of a calamity, it is best to make two versions of the Linux install on two bootable CDs or USBs.

In the case that one for some reason doesn’t work, then another ( usually lightweight) will complete the installation process. It is unlikely, but it can happen.

That’s why I suggested Lubuntu, that one is really easy to set up and usually works like a charm.

After you have your ISO images, prepare either CD or Flash disk and record it with the Rufus or any other ISO image creation tool.

Rufus is down-to-the-point program. Pick ISO image, pick USB drive, create. That is it.

Linux Installation

Change the BIOS's boot priority device!

Sometimes, PCs will refuse to boot from USB/CD, so you will need to enter BIOS to change it.

When your PC boots up, see what button on the keyboard you have to click to enter Setup. Usually, that information pops up in the lower-left corner and it is usually one of “F” buttons ( F2 or F10, depending on your device).

When you enter BIOS (bluescreen, sometimes black) use left-right arrows to go to the BOOT tab and change boot priority and boot devices.

Make your Flash or CD drive (or wherever you have a bootable medium waiting) a primary bootable device. The flash drive (USB) is typically marked with its manufacturer's name, sometimes you make a mistake and choose the wrong boot priority, and sometimes the drive is even invisible.

Whatever it is, PC will refuse to restart from a USB device, so you will need to fix a mistake.

Installation is automatic and very fast. After installation, remove USB and restart PC.

The installation program will ask you a few questions, language, what installation you want, do you want to password protect your PC… etc.

For Ubuntu/Lubuntu installation you can follow their official instructions.

The installation of the additional drivers (mp3, etc) should be left for later if your device is quite old.

Linux will pull all of it after your PC restarts on its own.

Linux installation doesn’t require additional drivers or software installation, because everything happens automatically over the internet.

All drivers and utilities will be automatically installed, and they will also be automatically ( with approval) updated from time to time.

If PC pauses of stops for some reason and you believe it is way too long, restart it again. Linux in average works fast, but it needs some time to start, so give it a few minutes to load.

New Linux desktop and programs

Linux distros come with a pre-installed set of programs.

If you want more programs you will have to find it through the Main menu – System Tools – Software or you will have to download programs separately manually or more conveniently from the Terminal.

Linux is on the one hand just an advanced version of Android, and it is not a surprise that it has a pre-installed Software shop similar to the Play Google Shop.

Go to the Main menu – System Tools – and find something with the name Terminal ( or LXTerminal) and you will get a notepad-looking app from where you can send commands and install whatever you want with just a few lines of code.

How to install an app in Linux with Terminal and Software Center?

You will be able to find many apps in the Software Center, but sometimes you will need to use the Terminal.

For example, Linux comes with preinstalled Leafpad, XPad, and AbiWord, which are, to be frank, not enjoyable. I recommend you to find a better writing application through the Software in System Tools Menu, but you can also install it with the Terminal (green command line notepad).

For example, we can install the Ghostwriter.

Ghostwriter banner Attribution

Paste these lines ( CTRL + SHIFT + V), one line at the time in Terminal ( LXTerminal). You will need a password for PC and write “Y” to continue with installation when asked.

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:wereturtle/ppa

sudo apt update

sudo apt install ghostwriter

When done, you can find the ghostwriter in Start Menu, under Office.

Short instruction on how to use it:

  • View - Preview in HTML - for split-screen.

  • Settings - Themes - Classic Dark

  • Settings - Preview Options - Style Sheet - Github Dark - for both editor and preview in night mode.

  • Settings - Preferences - for other options

  • File - Export - HTML - exported files can be saved in HTML format

  • File - Save As… - include an extension or save as plain text or markdown.

I hope you like my tutorial, and you will try Linux.

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