Installing Mint Linux - Installing the operating system
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Insert the disk, and turn off the computer.
Boot to disk.
Choose the “Start Linux Mint” option to boot to the live CD. If you just want to try Mint out, feel free to play around here for a while. This is a fully functional version of the system; it simply will not save any changes or any data. It is, however, a great way for you to test drive the operating system before you commit to making it your own.
Click on the Install icon.
Choose your language. Mint comes in a wide variety of languages. Then click forward.
Choose your location. Then click forward.
Choose your keyboard layout, and click on forward.
When you are asked about the space, choose guided, provided that this will be the only operating system on the machine. The wizard should walk you through the steps to make the partitions that you need. You need to have, at minimum a Swap, Root and Home partition. If you want to dual boot, then see the section below.
Pick your username and password. The click forward. Always be sure to follow the guidelines for creating a strong password.
Review your choices, as this will the last chance that you have to go back and make changes before it is too late.
Click on Install. This step can, and does, take a while. Keep an eye on it, but do not feel tied to the computer. Go ahead and watch some TV or make a snack. Just be back to peek in on it every once in a while.
Once the install is done click on “Restart now.”
Log in.
That is it. Your new Mint will now install on your computer. Now you can enjoy it without too much stress. Just be aware that when you first boot you will have to spend a few seconds with the welcome wizard, which will walk you through some common questions and help you to customize your system.
It may ask you about enabling the root account. For most users it would be wise to say no. As a general rule, if you do not know what you would do with a root account, then choose not to enable the root account.
What if I want a dual boot?
We’re feeling ambitious. If you want to dual boot, then when you get to step eight, you will need to add your partitions manually to the system. Be sure to add the Swap, Root and Home partitions for Mint, without deleting the ones for your first operating system.
Swap should be 500MB or more, Home 2500 or more and root at least 5000. Of course those are numbers for ideal functioning. If you have spent a lot of time with Linux, you can go ahead and adjust things as you see fit.
Now you should know everything that you need to in order to install Linux Mint on your PC. You even have a few options to choose from as to how you want to install it, and a few free choices of burning software. You can enjoy your new operating system and bring that old PC back to life.
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