How to Switch From Windows OS to Linux OS

Since its release in 1970, the Linux operating system has been widely adopted. Linux is used for all kinds of computers, and some of them you might not have guessed. That’s right, Linux may be in that e-book reader you purchased, or perhaps in your cell phone. Believe it or not, the free Linux system is widely used in super computers. Whether you’re planning to make the switch from Windows operating system to Linux because you heard how great it is, or just because you fell in love with Tux (the penguin mascot of Linux), this article will instruct you on how to make the switch safely.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• PC computer
• Windows (any OS)
• Linux (free online)
• Partition Magic (Symantec software)

Prepare Your PC

1. Ensure the compatibility of your hardware with the Linux operating system (Linux OS). Compare your video card, motherboard, sound card, printer and any drivers with the necessary standards for the Linux OS. To do this, simply read the manual or package for the Linux software. On the Windows software that you already have installed, look for the necessary requirements for Windows. Note that your older hardware will likely not be supported by Windows Vista. Likewise, it is better to switch from an older version of Windows to Linux.

2. Back up your old system to an external drive, or make a backup disc. This way you can test your new Linux system without losing your old Windows system.

3. Get your system updated with better hardware. Upgrade to Pentium III/AMD Athlon class (at least) including 256 MB of RAM. Ensure that your hard drive has 4 GB of free space.

4. Keep Windows OS if you have extra space on your computer. This way you can boot either system (Windows or Linux) at any time you like. To do this you will need to organize your hard drive. Make sure you have Windows OS installed before you install Linux, or you will only be able to run Linux OS by itself. To partition your hard drive you must install partition software from Symantec (see Resources below).

Install Linux From Diskette

5. Place your boot diskette into your computer. Restart your computer by hitting "CTRL+ALT+DEL" twice.

6. Hit the "Del" or "F1" key on your keyboard when you see the text at the bottom of the screen giving you the option to change your booting order. You will see this before your Windows begins to run. You must hit the key quickly or your computer will run Windows again. If it runs Windows again, or you miss the chance to hit the keyboard, just restart your computer and try again.

7. Change the setting in the BIOS panel to boot from your diskette. Do this by using the tab key to navigate around the screen, as you cannot use your mouse in the BIOS panel. Save your settings and exit BIOS.

8. Press "Enter" to boot (after you see the "boot:" prompt on your screen).

9. Type the following after "boot:" if you do not want a graphical setup for Linux: boot: linux textFollow the onscreen instructions to customize your Linux user experience after it has installed itself.

Install Linux From CD-ROM

10. Place your CD-ROM in the CD tray of your computer. Restart the computer by hitting the "CTRL+ALT+DEL" keys twice.

11. Press the "Del" or "F1" key to enter BIOS. Select "Reboot from CD-ROM."

12. Hit "Enter" on your keyboard.

13. Type the following commands into the prompt window: C:\> d:D:\> cd \dosutilsD:\dosutils> autoboot.bat

14. Hit "Enter." Follow the instructions on your screen for customizing your Linux user experience.

Resources

• Partition your hard drive with Symantec's software.