Linux Installation Step By Step For Beginners Complete Guide

Linux installation steps 

Getting started with Linux is a rewarding journey into a more flexible, secure, and powerful computing environment. Whether you’re a developer, a student, or just someone looking to revive an old laptop, this guide covers the essentials of moving from a traditional OS to a Linux-based system.

System Requirements

Linux distributions, or distros, are very effective. Although “lightweight” versions can function on outdated technology, a typical desktop environment (such as Fedora or Ubuntu) often needs:

• Processor: at least a 2 GHz dual-core processor.
• Memory (RAM): 4 GB is the least; for seamless multitasking, 8 GB is advised.
• 25 GB of free disk space for storage.
• Graphics: 1024×768 resolution is possible with VGA.

Installation Methods

Linux cannot be installed in a “one size fits all” manner. Your decision is based on your level of commitment to the new operating system.

Live USB

For everyone, this is the beginning. A Linux ISO file is flashed into a USB stick. You can run Linux completely from your RAM without ever touching your hard drive when you boot from this drive. A “try before you buy” strategy.

Virtual Machine (VM)

Linux may operate as a “app” on Windows or macOS using VirtualBox or VMware. Because you cannot unintentionally damage your host computer, it is the safest method of learning.

Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)

Without the overhead of a virtual machine, WSL enables Windows users to operate a Linux terminal and command-line tools directly on Windows. For developers that use Linux tools but wish to maintain Windows as their primary operating system, it’s ideal.

Dual Boot

This installs Linux in addition to your existing operating system. A boot loader, typically GRUB, asks you which system you want to use when your computer first turns on. This maximizes performance but necessitates careful disk management.

Partitioning and Swap Space

You have to choose how to partition your hard disk during a complete installation.

The Root Partition (/): The OS and your apps reside under the Root Partition (/).

The Home Partition (/home): It’s a great tip to store your personal files here. Your documents and photographs are unaffected if you ever reinstall Linux.

Swap Space: This is a specific section of the disk that serves as “overflow” RAM. To keep the computer from crashing, the system shifts inactive data to the Swap space if your physical memory fills up.

The Installation Process

The procedures are usually the same regardless of the distribution:

• Backup your data: Make a backup of your data before making any changes to partitions.
• Create Installation Media: “burn” the ISO to a USB using a program like Etcher or Rufus.
• Boot via USB: To access the boot menu after restarting your computer, use F12, F2, or Esc.
• Follow the Installer: The majority of contemporary installers, such as Ubiquity and Calamares, are graphical and easy to use.

Post-Installation Setup

When you initially get onto the desktop, do these three things right away:

Update the System: For Ubuntu, use sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade in a terminal window to refresh the system.

Install Drivers: Make sure your graphics card and Wi-Fi card are using optimized software by looking at the “Additional Drivers” section.

Set Up Backups: Make backups by using a program such as Timeshift. It makes “snapshots” of your system so that, in the event that a configuration goes wrong, you may return to a functional state.

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Logging In and Out

Linux was designed with multiple users in mind.

Login: The Display Manager (the login screen) will appear. To begin your session, enter your credentials.

Locking: To swiftly lock your screen, press Super (Windows Key) + L.

Logging Out vs. Powering Off: Logging out shuts off your personal apps but leaves the system operational. All background services and processes are shut down when the power is turned off.

To securely restart the system in the event that your graphical interface stalls, you can typically press Ctrl + Alt + F3 to jump to a “TTY” (a text-only terminal).

Linux installation and setup commands

Initial System Updates

After installation, your first priority is ensuring the system is secure and up to date. The command depends on your distribution’s package manager.

sudo: Stands for “SuperUser DO.” It grants you administrative privileges for that specific command.

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Essential Navigation Commands

Before you can configure the system, you need to know how to move through the file tree.

• pwd: (Print Working Directory) Shows the full path of where you are currently located.
• ls: Lists all files and folders in the current directory.
  • ls -a: Shows hidden files (those starting with a .).
  • ls -l: Provides a “long” list with file sizes and permissions.
• cd [directory]: Changes your current directory.
  • cd ..: Moves you up one level.
  • cd ~: Takes you directly back to your home folder.

File and Directory Management

These commands allow you to set up your workspace and manage configuration files.

• mkdir [name]: Creates a new folder.
• touch [filename]: Creates a new, empty file.
• cp [source] [destination]: Copies a file or folder.
• mv [source] [destination]: Moves or renames a file or folder.
• rm [filename]: Deletes a file.
  • rm -r [folder]: Deletes a folder and everything inside it (Recursive).
  • Warning: sudo rm -rf / is a famous “troll” command that deletes your entire operating system. Never run it.

System Configuration & Information

To verify your hardware setup or manage system services:

• neofetch: A popular utility that displays system info (OS, Kernel, CPU, RAM) in a stylish way. (You may need to install it first via sudo apt install neofetch).
• df -h: Displays disk space usage in human-readable format (GB/MB).
• free -m: Shows how much RAM is currently being used.
• systemctl: Used to manage background services (daemons).
  • sudo systemctl start [service]
  • sudo systemctl enable [service] (Starts the service automatically at boot).

Post-Installation Setup Tips

• Permissions: Use chmod to change file permissions (e.g., chmod +x script.sh makes a script executable).
• Text Editing: Use nano [filename] for a simple, beginner-friendly text editor inside the terminal to modify config files.
• Help: If you aren’t sure how a command works, type man [command] (short for manual) to see the full documentation.

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