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This is one of the two part guide of trying and installing a Linux OS on your computer. In this guide, you will learn how to create a Linux installation media using a pendrive and try out Linux using the "Live" version. Modern Linux distros have this wonderful and helpful option to play around and experience Linux without having to install it and wipe out Windows. Also keep in mind that none of the changes you make will be saved when you turn off or restart your PC.
I tried to make this as easy and simple as possible for you to get Linux up and running without having the need to know any technical knowledge. If you feel you aren't good with computers, better ask someone to help you out!
A list of things you need before proceeding...
A pendrive, laptop/desktop (obvio, the PC you want to install to), another PC for downloading stuff (optional) and...
That's it! Let's get to work!
Note: Make sure you are using a spare pendrive. If you don't have one, copy/backup all the content of your pendrive to another device. All data will be deleted during the process. You will be able to reuse your pendrive normally later on.
#1 Decide which Linux OS you want to install
If you've already decided which Linux distro to want to install, you can move on to the next step.
There are hundereds of Linux distros out there with different looks and features and are aimed at both newcomers and professionals alike! Choosing the "perfect" Linux distribution might be a bit overwhelming for many users. For starters, you can go ahead with popular distros like Ubuntu, Zorin OS or Linux Mint.
Here, I will be working with Zorin OS Core Edition.
#2 Download your Linux distro
To go the download page of your preferred distro and click that download button. Zorin OS can be downloaded here.
You will be downloading a file with a .iso extension that is quite big. What is an .iso file? I'll explain later. Wait for a few minutes for it to download.
#3 Download and install BalenaEtcher
This is a must. It's a small and safe software that will help us create a Linux installation media. Your USB pendrive will be turned into an installation media (like an installation disk) using this software. We are using pendrives because they are more convenient and efficient than discs. Plus modern PCs don't come with disc-drives. Anyway, you can uninstall Etcher later if you want to.
#4 Insert your pendrive and launch Etcher.
#5 Click "Flash from File" and select the .iso file.
Navigate to the directory (i.e. Downloads) where you downloaded your Linux OS .iso file and select it. The .iso file is like a softcopy or image of the Linux installation media. Make sure to select the right file!
#6 Click "Select Target" and choose the pendrive you just inserted.
Again, make sure to choose the correct name of the pendrive otherwise it will be a big disaster!
#7 Click "Flash!"
Congrats! You just created your Linux installation media! Wait for it to flash completely after which you will receive a message.
#8 Switch on the PC you want to try/install Linux to and enter BIOS using the BIOS key
This step can be complicated for everyday users. I myself found it difficult too. But believe me it's actually simple and effortless. We are going to enter into something known as BIOS.
It is basically a firmware or a software exclusively for the hardware of your PC. It helps you to control the hardware and its behavior. It's actually the first thing that starts when you turn on your PC!
To enter the BIOS, you need to continuously tap the BIOS Key as soon as your PC starts. The BIOS key is a certain key on your keyboard and varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Mine is the F10 for my HP laptop but F12 key for my Lenovo desktop. The look of the BIOS also differs, but most of the basic features and functions remain the same. Search yours online. You may not get it on your first try, but don't worry! You will eventually get it.
#9 Navigate to the "Boot Options/Security" tab or something similar
Great! You've entered the BIOS! There's just one thing you need to do.
Using your arrow keys or mouse (depending on your PC), you can switch between tabs. If you can't see the above mentioned tabs, you may have to enter Advanced Configuration by pressing a key mentioned on your screen.
#10 Turn off "Secure Boot"
Once you are in the desired tab, use the up and down arrow keys to navigate to a field that displays Secure Boot. By default it's enabled. Just press Enter to disable it. Voila!
Secure Boot makes sure that the PC doesn't get damaged by dangerous and external software. Our Linux installation media software is pretty safe!
Well done! All the major steps are complete! Pat yourself on the back!
#11 Locate the "Exit" tab and choose "Save and Exit"
By choosing the "Save and Exit" option, the BIOS will save the changes you have made and restart the PC.
Note: If you feel you have made any unnecessary changes by mistake, you can select the "Ignore changes" option and repeat the steps from #8 again. This option won't save any of your changes.
#12 Enter Boot Menu using the Boot Menu key and select your pendrive
Once again, like step #8, now enter the Boot Menu by continuously pressing the appropriate key. It's the F9 key for my HP laptop. Again, find out yours.
You're close to the end! You'll see a small list with the name of your pendrive just below the name of your internal storage drive that has Windows installed. Use your arrow keys to select your pendrive.
#13 Select the option that says "Try or Install"
Just one more step to go... Select the first option if you don't use a NVIDIA graphics card, otherwise select the third option.
#14 Select "Try Zorin OS" and you're done!
Congratulations! You have now successfully booted into Zorin OS!
If you're thinking about "Where has Windows gone?", don't worry. Linux hasn't touched your storage drive. Everything you're seeing now is happening from your pendrive. Linux hasn't been installed. That's why we selected the "Try" option in the previous step.
Anyway, you can now play around and see how Linux, or Zorin OS in this case, performs on your PC. If you like to go back to Windows, reboot your PC by clicking the "Z" icon on the bottom left corner, then power off and finally restart. Zorin OS will then ask you to remove your pen drive and press "Enter". The PC will then restart and automatically boot into Windows!
If you're done trying out Linux, you can format your pendrive for normal use using this guide.
You now know how to create a Linux installation media and try out Linux without installing it!
Hope you found my guide useful and easy to understand. Feel free to ask doubts or give suggestions by commenting below!
If you've made up your mind to install Linux, well, see you in the next part! (under development)
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