Jeff Bayazit - Install Linux

Breathe New Life into Your Old PC

Install Linux Today!

Installing Linux on an old desktop computer or laptop is a great way to breathe new life into outdated hardware and enjoy the benefits of a lightweight and efficient operating system. I’m excited to share our 'Installing Linux' tutorial with you and guide you through the installation process. However, it's essential to understand that this tutorial is provided for educational purposes only and comes with absolutely no warranty or guarantee. Read more...

In this tutorial, I'll walk you through the general steps to install Linux on your old computer.

Please note that the steps may vary slightly depending on the Linux distribution you choose, but the overall process is similar. Make sure to back up any important data before proceeding.

Step 1: Choose a Linux Distribution

There are many Linux distributions available, each with its own features and focus. For older hardware, lightweight distributions like Xubuntu, Lubuntu, or Linux Mint XFCE edition are recommended.

Step 2: Download the Linux ISO

Go to the official website of the Linux distribution you chose and download the ISO file for your computer's architecture (32-bit or 64-bit). Most modern computers support 64-bit, but if you have an older machine, it might be 32-bit.

Step 3: Create a Bootable USB Drive

To install Linux, you'll need a bootable USB drive. You can use tools like Rufus (for Windows) or Etcher (for macOS, Windows, and Linux) to create a bootable USB drive from the ISO file you downloaded. Follow the instructions provided by the tool to create the bootable USB.

Step 4: Boot from the USB Drive

Insert the bootable USB drive into your old computer and restart it. During the boot process, access the boot menu or BIOS settings (usually by pressing a key like F2, F12, or Delete) to change the boot order and select the USB drive as the boot device. The exact method of restarting the computer and accessing the boot menu or BIOS settings is dependent on the hardware and manufacturer (Apple, especially) of the computer that you are using.

Step 5: Start the Installation Process

After successfully booting from the USB drive, you'll see the Linux distribution's installer. Choose the option to "Install" or "Try Linux" (to test it first). Follow the on-screen instructions to begin the installation process.

Step 6: Prepare Installation Settings

During the installation process, you'll be prompted to set certain configurations, such as language, keyboard layout, and time zone. Make the appropriate selections based on your preferences and location.

Step 7: Partitioning

The installer will ask you how you want to partition your hard drive. If you're new to Linux, it's usually best to select the option to "Install alongside the existing operating system" if you have one, or "Erase disk and install Linux" to use the entire disk. This step will erase any existing data on the computer, so proceed with caution.

Step 8: Create a User Account

Set up a username and password for your Linux account. This will be the account you use to log in to the system.

Step 9: Install Linux

Once you've completed all the necessary settings, click on the "Install" button to begin the installation process. This may take some time, so be patient.

Step 10: Reboot and Enjoy Linux

After the installation is complete, the installer will prompt you to reboot the computer. Remove the USB drive and let the system reboot. You should now see the login screen for your newly installed Linux distribution.

If everything proceeds successfully, you will have successfully installed Linux on your old desktop computer or laptop. Then you will be able to explore the Linux environment and take advantage of its lightweight nature and various features. Usually, it really is that simple.

Remember, Linux offers a vast array of possibilities, and you can customise it to suit your needs. If you have any questions or need some help, feel free to reach out to me.