No matter what SW you are used to working It's never a bad time to get started with Linux! But, before knowing your process base installation it is necessary to know certain minimum requirements.
This applies to both the simplest and the most complex distros. While the process is simple, since you need to connect a USB with the ISO of the program, choosing the best version is not an easy task.
For this reason, we have prepared this post so that you can find all the related information on how to do the installation from a USB and what requirements do you need to meet.
What are the requirements to install any version of Linux?
The requirements to install any Linux distribution are as follows:
Computer with a 32-bit processor or higher
It is true that this SW It is characterized by having some distributions that do not require such modern computers. Even so, it is advisable that the computer has a processor with updated 32-bit architecture and have a 1.5 Ghz frequency, being more benefits to have resources of greater capacity for recent distros.
If your computer has a 64-bit environment, as it happens in most of the current computers, you will not have problem with most of the versions of Linux. I mean, you Pc will be able to take so much Debian how Ubuntu 14.04. From all this it emerges that you should always take into account the compatibility of the resources with the version you want to install, if you don't want to have execution problems in the future.
8MB of RAM and 20MB of free space
From 8 MB RAM available on your computer you can have a distribution of Linux. For example, Puppy Linux or Debian would be good options that you could install, but if you have 1 GB from memory you will also be able to obtain a distro, for example, Linux Mint.
If you don't know exactly how much memory RAM has your Pc you can visit the settings in Windows. In MacOS you will have to go to "About this Mac". And finally, if you are already a user Linux go to terminal and put the command "Free -h" or "Free -g". In addition, you must have a minimum of 20MB to 100MB of free hard disk space.
Find a USB or DVD / CD-ROM
The pack of any distribution of Linux can be stored both in a CD-ROM / DVD like on a pendrive. Sure, most new computers, especially laptops, no longer have a reader for CD. Therefore it is more practical to configure or boot a USB memory removable.
Something you should keep in mind is that it will be better to choose a USB with enough GB space so that you do not have a limitation of the weight of the file or image ISO of the distro. In addition, the speed of the flash memory will also be a point to consider, as it will run better a pendrive 3.0 than one 2.0.
Choosing a Linux distro
Maybe you already have a distribution of SW look how Ubuntu or Linux Mint. But if you don't have it or want to get rid of all your doubts, you will have to go to official site to download the corresponding ISO file. The version you choose should always be compatible with the specifications of your Pc, which we already mentioned before. Once you know which version to choose, you must record it in a memory USB.
Boot the USB or pendrive
Before installing the ISO system, you will have to boot the USB. That is, you will need this drive to boot into your computer without having a SW. So you must download an app that allows you to fulfill this function. You must bear in mind that everything that the pendrive contains will be eliminated. For this task, you will be able to choose tools such as UNEtbootin, Rufus, Linux Live USB Creator or Yumi. All of them fulfill the objective of booting the memory USB in few steps
Make a backup or backup of your data
Why do we place it within the requirements? While is true that having or not having backup copies will not affect the Linux installation at allIt is convenient to have a backup just in case the download process deletes important information from your computer.
How do I know which Linux distribution to install on my computer?
As you already know, they exist certain distros that have become very popular with users, due to the use and benefits they offer. But this does not imply that those are all, there are a large number of versions that you can choose from Lubuntu, Ubuntu, Puppy Linux, Debian, Kali among many others. Therefore, to choose the right one you will have to base yourself on two factors the capabilities of your PC and your preferences according to the work you want to do.
Regarding the first, there are a series of technical specifications to consider, which we mentioned in previous paragraphs. In addition, from the ones we told you, you should also take into account the processor the graphics card of your computer. On the other hand, there is the factor of your personal preferences when manipulating the functions of the Linux version. Each operating system distribution has a different graphical interface and technical specifications.
A good way to get to know them is by visiting the official page of each one. It is advisable to see all the available information, videos of its handling, basic requirements and answers for each job, among other factors. You should also know that there are distributions using DEB and RPM packages. The first is generally used on home computers, while the second package is usually used for business or server purposes.
Finally, so you can choose from the more than 550 Linux distributions, you should consider the price, your computer knowledge, software support and level of privacy. Nor should you forget the updates, default settings and graphical interface.
Learn step by step how to install any Linux distribution from a USB
If you want to know how you have to install any Linux distro from a USB stick, pay attention to the following steps:
Choose the version of Linux you want to install
The first thing you will have to do is choose which distro you are going to use on your computer. To do this, you will have to follow the tips that we mentioned before and then go to the official website of the distribution. If you wish, you can choose a platform that helps you choose the one that suits you best, this is the case of Distrochooser. "Https://distrochooser.de/es"
Launch the installation menu
You can previously alter the BIOS settings of the computer so that when starting it, it starts directly from the USB memory with the ISO.
To do this, follow these steps:
- Turns off the computer and Plug in the booted USB stick.
- Turn on the computer and press F12, F2, Delete, TAB, F10, F1 or ESC. This will depend on the BIOS for open the boot menu.
- Once you are in the blue screen, Choose USB memory so that it starts instead of the hard drive.
Choose the installation parameters
In order to run the distro you want to install, you will have to follow this step by step:
- Find the installation application on the desktop and do click on it.
- A installation popup.
- The first thing it will ask you to do is choose the language, then click on Install.
- If the computer is connected to a WiFi network, OS will detect update packetsOtherwise, you must do it manually.
- You must decide if you want to download such updates while the OS installation is done by checking the corresponding box.
- You will also have to choose whether or not you want to install third-party programs at the same time.
- Click on Continue or Install, depending on the version you have chosen.
- After these steps, you will have to place Your personal information, as city, name and an ID that you will have to assign to the team. You must bear in mind that this information does not have to be real, it is only used as identifiers or titles.
- Next, you will have to indicate a password and the language for the keyboard, among other things.
Select the type of disk installation
Among the options you have to install you will see Erase disk and install (the chosen distro), Install (the chosen distro) together (the other OS) and More options … Create partitions. In this last tool it is recommended that you have a somewhat advanced user level if you want to do so.
This is because will erase everything on the hard drive and divide its capacity into as many parts as you indicate. The same thing happens with the second option, since you are also going to partition the hard drive. Therefore, the standard decision for a normal user is Erase disk and install (the chosen distro).
During and after installation
You must keep in mind:
- Do not shut down, restart or alter the computer while installing the OS Linux.
- Finish the installation and remove the USB stick safely booted before restarting the computer.
Sif you have more than one operating system on the same computer (eg Windows 10 and Ubuntu 16.04) at the start of the equipment you must choose with which OS the computer will work. Remember to make backup copies of your local hard drive and keep the distribution you chose up to date.