Thread: Installing Linux on Laptop

To install Linux on laptop, you want to think hard drive space. Installation procedure is less instinctive than you think and can be particularly challenging if you want to be able to dually run Windows. Following steps are general approach that applied to different variations on Linux.

Instructions

Step 1

Get ready for installation. Collect any hardware manuals and data about hardware configuration by running the Microsoft Diagnostics Utility.

Step 2

Download binary Linux files. It about 300 to 400 Mb in size.

Step 3

Place Binary files on CD-ROM disks. Utilize these bootable disks rather than booting Linux from hard drive. To make CDs bootable, go to bio screen of PC.

Step 4

Modify boot series so that PC boot from disks having Linux files. Select "Set to CD-ROM." Save alterations and reboot PC.

Step 5

Begin booting sequence. Initial part of sequence asks you if you want to install different features of CD-ROM files. Usually, it only needs to stay pressing "Enter". Taking default settings is generally simplest option.

Step 6

Partition hard drive by making file systems, either on own or with available software. You must make four partitions for Linux.

Step 7

Create a /boot partition. This tells PC that hard drive can be booted from Linux kernel, similar to minor level tasks of brain.

Step 8

Create a /swap partition. This decides how Linux kernel obtains data from RAM. Usually this partition about double the size of RAM.

Step 9

Create root partition, selected by single forward slash (/). This is basically same as C drive on Windows. It has setup files and directories for different devices on PC.

Step 10

Create a /home partition. This has all user files. The installation series asks many questions about what you would like to install. When it is completed, click OK and Linux starts to install.