How to Replace Windows With Linux

Linux is quickly becoming a popular alternative to the Windows operating system, due to the fact that it is available for free (or for a small fee that includes support), and because it is often viewed as being more stable than the Windows environment. Many of the modern Linux distributions have become about as easy to install and use as Windows, and it is now a simple task to replace Windows with Linux on the average machine.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• CD burner Blank CD

1. Decide which Linux distribution you would like to try. There are hundreds of Linux distributions available, but some of the most popular versions for new users are Ubuntu, Mandriva, Fedora, Mepsis and OpenSUSE.These distributions, as well as many others, are available in a LiveCD format, which allows you to explore the operating system before you decide to install it. (See Resources.)

2. Download the LiveCD image of the distribution you would like to try. It will be distributed as an ISO CD image file.

3. Burn the ISO image to a blank CD-recordable. If your computer does not have the software to burn an ISO image to disc, there are many free programs available on the Internet that can accomplish the task.

4. Insert the burned CD into the computer's CD-ROM drive, and reboot. The CD should start booting, but if not, the boot order in the computer's BIOS menu may have to be changed. Consult the computer's manual for details.

5. Wait for the Linux desktop to load. Many hardware drivers are included in the Linux kernel, so all (or nearly all) of the hardware on the computer should be working--such as the network card, sound card and video card. Drivers for other hardware are also available, as well as alternative drivers for some hardware devices. If all of your hardware works, the installation process can be initiated.

6. Double-click the "Install" icon on the desktop to start the Linux installer. In most distributions, the drive partitioner will start first. Because the goal is to replace Windows with Linux, the partitioning process is quite easy.

7. Select the option to use the entire hard drive for Linux. Click the "Next" button. The installer will partition the drive and begin installing the Linux operating system.

8. Answer the configuration questions as they are displayed. Typically, the installer will ask about the keyboard layout, the language you would like to use, the time format and other basic questions. It will also ask you to configure the user names and passwords for the administrator and all of the people who will be using the computer. The entire process will take from 20 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the system. After the process is complete, the machine will reboot and take you into the Linux desktop.

9. Check all of the hardware in your system for proper operation, and configure the system to fit your needs. If questions arise about the operating system, there are many online resources, such as the distribution's website, that can be helpful in answering such inquiries.

Tips & Warnings

• Most of the software the average user will need is included with many versions of Linux. For nearly every Windows program, there is a Linux alternative that can be used. In addition, there is also a Windows compatibility program, called Wine, that allows many Windows programs to be run inside of Linux.
• Back up all of the data you would like to keep before installing Linux. Using the entire hard drive for Linux will erase the contents of the Windows drive. Research you hardware before committing to a full Linux installation. Some hardware companies do not produce Linux drivers for their hardware, so if there are drivers for such a product, they will be unofficial versions developed by the Linux community. Thus, some of the hardware's features may not be fully supported.

Resources

• Ubuntu Home Page
• Mandriva Home Page
• Distrowatch--Information About Many Linux Distributions