How to install Linux

First of all congratulations! Good to have you here.

TL;DR

Download a Linux distibution .iso file. Use balenaEtcher to write it to a usb stick. Boot the computer from that usb and follow the on screen instructions.

Common problems while installing Linux

First off, hardware compatibility. I remember when I tried installing Linux on my laptop and the Wi-Fi didn’t work out of the box. That was frustrating. Maybe drivers for things like graphics cards, especially Nvidia or AMD, are common issues. Also, newer hardware might not be supported yet, like the latest CPUs or peripherals.

Then partitioning the disk can be tricky. People accidentally wipes off their Windows partition. Understanding UEFI vs. Legacy BIOS is another part of that. Secure Boot might cause problems too. Oh, and dual-booting in general—managing the bootloader, especially GRUB. Sometimes GRUB doesn’t detect other OSes, or the Windows bootloader takes over.

Installation media issues: Maybe the USB drive isn’t properly created. Using tools like Rufus or Etcher correctly, ensuring the ISO is downloaded properly without corruption. Also, booting from USB might require changing BIOS settings, which some users find confusing.

Driver availability after installation. Like, printers or scanners not working because manufacturers don’t provide Linux drivers. Or needing to install proprietary drivers for better performance, which isn’t always straightforward.

If someone picks a distro with a heavy DE, it might not run well on older hardware. Or maybe the DE crashes or has bugs. Choosing the right distro for their needs could be a problem too—Ubuntu vs. Arch, for example.

Post-installation configuration. Setting up things like multimedia codecs, which aren’t always included by default. Managing software repositories, dealing with dependency issues. System updates breaking things occasionally, especially with rolling release distros.

Secure Boot and TPM modules in newer systems. Some distros handle Secure Boot better than others. TPM 2.0 with Windows 11 compatibility might interfere, though that’s more of a dual-boot scenario.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to installing Linux properly, followed by a table of popular Linux distributions with their advantages and use cases.

Steps to Install Linux Properly (Updated Detailed Guide)

1. Choose a Linux Distribution

  • Research distros based on your needs:
    • Beginner-Friendly: Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Fedora
    • Advanced/Minimalist: Arch Linux, Debian, Manjaro
    • Lightweight: Lubuntu, Puppy Linux
  • Download the ISO file from the official website of your chosen distribution.

2. Backup Your Data

  • Save important files to an external hard drive, cloud storage, or another partition.
  • Back up your Windows activation key (important if you plan to reinstall Windows later):
    • Open Command Prompt (cmd) as Administrator and run:
      wmic path softwarelicensingservice get OA3xOriginalProductKey
    • Save this key in a safe place.

3. Check and Disable BitLocker (If Enabled)

Why? If BitLocker is enabled on your Windows drive, the Linux installer may not detect it properly, leading to issues with disk partitioning.

  1. Check if BitLocker is enabled:
    • Open Command Prompt (cmd) as Administrator and run:
      manage-bde -status
    • If BitLocker is enabled, proceed to the next step to disable it.
  2. Disable BitLocker:
    • Run the following command to temporarily disable BitLocker protection:
      manage-bde -protectors -disable C:
    • If the above command doesn’t work, fully decrypt the drive:
      manage-bde -off C:
    • Wait for the decryption process to complete before proceeding.

4. Create a Bootable USB Drive

  • Use one of the following tools:
    • Windows: Rufus
    • Mac/Linux: Balena Etcher
    • Linux Terminal (dd command):
      sudo dd if=/path/to/linux.iso of=/dev/sdX bs=4M status=progress
sync

      (Replace /dev/sdX with your USB drive’s actual identifier)

  • Ensure the USB is formatted correctly:
    • FAT32 (for best UEFI compatibility)
    • MBR partition scheme (for BIOS) or GPT (for UEFI)

5. Configure BIOS/UEFI

  1. Restart your PC and enter BIOS/UEFI by pressing F2, F12, DEL, or ESC (varies by manufacturer).
  2. Disable Secure Boot (if required by your Linux distro).
  3. Enable UEFI mode (for newer systems) or Legacy mode (for older BIOS-based systems).
  4. Set boot priority to USB.
  5. Save and exit BIOS/UEFI (usually by pressing F10).

6. Boot into the Live Environment

  1. Restart the PC with the bootable USB plugged in.
  2. If you see a boot menu, select your USB drive.
  3. Choose “Try Linux” to load a live session before installation.
  4. Test hardware compatibility (Wi-Fi, sound, graphics, etc.).

6. Start the Installation (Detailed Instructions)

A. Choose Language, Keyboard Layout, and Timezone

  • Select your preferred language.
  • Choose your keyboard layout (e.g., US, UK, etc.).
  • Set the correct timezone.

B. Partitioning: Choose an Installation Type

🔴 Important: If you’re keeping Windows (dual boot), ensure you have free space for Linux. You may need to shrink a partition first.

  1. Automatic Partitioning (Recommended for Beginners)
    • Choose “Erase disk and install Linux” (⚠ WARNING: This deletes all data, including Windows!)
    • The installer will create necessary partitions automatically.
    • If using a laptop, enable “Encrypt the installation for security” (optional).
  2. Manual Partitioning (Advanced Users & Dual Boot)
    • Choose “Something Else” to manually create partitions.
    • If dual-booting, DO NOT DELETE the Windows partitions. Instead, shrink the existing Windows partition from Windows Disk Management before installation.

Creating Partitions Manually

PartitionMount PointTypeSizeNotes
Root/ext420GB+Required for Linux OS
Swap-swap= RAM size (or 2GB min)Needed for hibernation
Home/homeext4Optional (Rest of Disk Space)Stores personal files
EFI (For UEFI)/boot/efiFAT32100MB - 500MBRequired for UEFI boot
Boot (For BIOS)/bootext4500MB - 1GBStores GRUB bootloader
  • Ensure bootloader is installed on the correct drive (usually /dev/sda).

C. User Account and Authentication

  • Enter your name, username, and password.
  • Choose whether to require a password at login or enable auto-login.

D. Start Installation

  • Double-check your partition settings.
  • Click “Install Now” and confirm.

7. Complete Installation

  • Once installation finishes:
    • Remove the USB drive when prompted.
    • Click Restart Now.
  • If dual-booting, you’ll see the GRUB boot menu—choose between Windows and Linux.

Below is the updated post-installation guide that includes sections for tmux, Neovim, and fzf along with relevant links for all the tools mentioned. You can use or modify this markdown as needed:

Post-Installation Setup

After setting up a fresh Linux installation, follow this guide to install essential development tools, improve your workflow, and enhance your system.

1. Desktop Customization

  • Change Themes & Icons:
    • GNOME (Ubuntu/Fedora):
      sudo apt install gnome-tweaks  # Ubuntu/Debian
sudo dnf install gnome-tweaks  # Fedora
    • KDE Plasma (Kubuntu/KDE Neon):
      • Install themes via System Settings > Appearance.
    • XFCE (Xubuntu):
      • Customize via Settings Manager > Appearance.
  • Dock & Panels:
    • Install Plank (lightweight dock):
      sudo apt install plank  # Debian/Ubuntu
sudo dnf install plank  # Fedora

2. Essential Software Installation

  • Web Browsers:
    sudo apt install firefox chromium  # Debian/Ubuntu
sudo dnf install firefox chromium  # Fedora
    • For Google Chrome:
      wget https://dl.google.com/linux/direct/google-chrome-stable_current_amd64.deb
sudo apt install ./google-chrome-stable_current_amd64.deb  # Debian/Ubuntu
  • Office Suite:
    sudo apt install libreoffice  # Debian/Ubuntu
sudo dnf install libreoffice  # Fedora
  • Media Players:
    sudo apt install vlc  # Debian/Ubuntu
sudo dnf install vlc  # Fedora

3. Multimedia Codecs

  • Debian/Ubuntu:
    sudo apt install ubuntu-restricted-extras libavcodec-extra
  • Fedora:
    sudo dnf install gstreamer1-plugins-{bad-free,good,base} gstreamer1-plugin-openh264 gstreamer1-libav

4. Driver Management

  • Graphics Drivers:
    • NVIDIA (Debian/Ubuntu):
      sudo ubuntu-drivers autoinstall  # Auto-detect and install
sudo apt install nvidia-driver-535  # Specific version
    • AMD/Intel: Usually open-source and pre-installed.
  • Wi-Fi/Bluetooth:
    • For Broadcom (Debian/Ubuntu):
      sudo apt install bcmwl-kernel-source
    • Use lspci or lsusb to identify hardware.
  • Printers:
    • Install CUPS:
      sudo apt install cups  # Debian/Ubuntu
sudo dnf install cups  # Fedora
    • Open http://localhost:631 in a browser to configure.

5. Security Hardening

  • Firewall:
    • UFW (Debian/Ubuntu):
      sudo ufw enable
sudo ufw allow ssh  # Allow SSH
    • Firewalld (Fedora/RHEL):
      sudo firewall-cmd --permanent --add-service=ssh
sudo firewall-cmd --reload
  • Automatic Updates:
    • Debian/Ubuntu (Unattended Upgrades):
      sudo apt install unattended-upgrades
sudo dpkg-reconfigure unattended-upgrades
    • Fedora (DNF Automatic):
      sudo dnf install dnf-automatic
sudo systemctl enable --now dnf-automatic.timer

6. Development Tools

  • Compilers & IDEs:
    sudo apt install build-essential gcc g++ python3 python3-pip nodejs npm  # Debian/Ubuntu
sudo dnf groupinstall "Development Tools"  # Fedora
  • Terminal Utilities:
    • tmux - Terminal Multiplexer:
      sudo apt install tmux  # Debian/Ubuntu
sudo dnf install tmux  # Fedora
    • Neovim - Modern Vim-based Editor:
      sudo apt install neovim  # Debian/Ubuntu
sudo dnf install neovim  # Fedora
    • fzf - Fuzzy Finder:
      sudo apt install fzf  # Debian/Ubuntu
sudo dnf install fzf  # Fedora
  • Docker:
    sudo apt install docker.io  # Debian/Ubuntu
sudo dnf install docker  # Fedora (if available)
sudo systemctl enable --now docker
sudo usermod -aG docker $USER  # Add user to docker group

7. Backup Solutions

  • System Snapshots:
    • Timeshift (Debian/Ubuntu):
      sudo apt install timeshift
  • File Backups:
    • Deja Dup (GUI):
      sudo apt install deja-dup  # Debian/Ubuntu
    • rsync (CLI):
      rsync -avh --progress /source/folder /backup/folder

8. Gaming Setup

  • Steam:
    sudo apt install steam  # Debian/Ubuntu
sudo dnf install steam  # Fedora
  • Proton & Lutris:
    sudo apt install lutris  # Debian/Ubuntu
  • Game Controllers:
    • Install SDL2 for better compatibility:
      sudo apt install libsdl2-2.0-0

9. Network Tools

  • SSH Server:
    sudo apt install openssh-server  # Debian/Ubuntu
sudo systemctl enable --now sshd
  • VPN Clients:
    • OpenVPN:
      sudo apt install openvpn network-manager-openvpn  # Debian/Ubuntu

10. Cloud Integration

  • Nextcloud Client:
    sudo apt install nextcloud-desktop  # Debian/Ubuntu
  • rclone (CLI):
    sudo apt install rclone  # Debian/Ubuntu
rclone config  # Follow prompts to link cloud storage

11. Flatpak/Flathub Setup

  • Enable Flatpak:
    sudo apt install flatpak  # Debian/Ubuntu
flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo
  • Install apps:
    flatpak install flathub com.spotify.Client

12. Shell Customization

  • Zsh + Oh My Zsh:
    sudo apt install zsh  # Debian/Ubuntu
sh -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ohmyzsh/ohmyzsh/master/tools/install.sh)"
  • Powerline Themes:
    sudo apt install powerline fonts-powerline  # Debian/Ubuntu

13. Power Management (Laptops)

  • TLP (Battery Saving):
    sudo apt install tlp tlp-rdw  # Debian/Ubuntu
sudo systemctl enable tlp

14. Troubleshooting Tools

  • Diagnose Audio Issues:
    sudo apt install pavucontrol  # PulseAudio Volume Control
alsamixer  # CLI audio mixer
  • Check Hardware:
    inxi -F  # System summary
lspci -v  # PCI devices

15. Virtualization

  • VirtualBox:
    sudo apt install virtualbox virtualbox-ext-pack  # Debian/Ubuntu
  • KVM/QEMU (Advanced):
    sudo apt install qemu-kvm libvirt-daemon-system virt-manager  # Debian/Ubuntu

Final Tips