There have been many times while installing Linux that I wasn't sure when to remove the installation media. In other words, after the new Linux install I couldn't tell when to remove the Live CD/DVD or remove the USB thumb drive/pendrive.
***For many first time Linux users this is frustrating and the machine will reboot back into the installation media.***
Linux Mint does make that clear at the end of the install.
It's been my experience that some installers haven't made that clear. And if they did I may have missed it.
When the installer didn't say remove the installation media and then press enter I found a way that works but you have to be quick and know your pc's start up process and splash screen.
Each computer's splash screen and start up time is different. The one thing that is a constant is the black screen you get when the pc is shut down just before it restarts.
Pressing the button on the tower to release the CD/DVD and remove it fast and close the tray. IF a USB thumb drive/pendrive pull it gently during the black screen before your machine boots.
Some DVD RW's won't stick when you perform a Linux installation. I found this out by rebooting and retrying the DVD RW a few times. When that didn't work I pulled out a fresh DVD+R and burned the Linux .iso at the slowest speed and the install was successful!
Another thing I've learned along the way is the functionality of a thumb drive.
Sometimes thumb drive just stop working.
Over time a Usb thumb drive/pendrive will stop working because the little relays on the tiny circuit board don't respond or do their job anymore.
OR> it could be that the integrity of the .iso file is corrupt and that's why the thumb drive doesn't boot or does boot but just hangs.
Most thumb drive manufacturers say they should last about 10 years.
One sign that your thumb drive is failing is your pc doesn't see or recognize it at all. Here's a link with more information on thumb drives.
One more tip: if you can don't install Linux by yourself the first time. Having 2 set's of eyes and 2 heads thinking as you go along through the install helps. My best friend always says: "two heads are better than one"
Watch a full YouTube video of the Linux distro you want to install first and that will help to put you at ease.
As the new year progresses I will return to this section and add more Tips & Tricks.
Oh, and Happy New Year 2023!
