In this article I'll teach you how to install Ubuntu or Linux Mint alongside your Windows 7 or Windows XP laptop or desktop pc.
1. First, download Ubuntu or Linux Mint.
Here's the link to Ubuntu:
And, here's the link to Linux Mint:
BTW, Linux Mint comes in a few different versions so if you want Mate, XFCE or Cinnamon than choose "that" download.
IF your computer is 32-bit you will have download Linux Mint form here:
Ubuntu 32- bit download is here:
https://releases.ubuntu.com/16.04/
2. Once you download Linux you will have to verify the integrity of your .iso file.
In other words, check to make sure your download isn't corrupt.
To check on the .iso file you will have to check on the sha256sum or an md5sum signature. The signature is just a long line of numbers on the page in which you downloaded Linux on. Compare the signature and if they match you are good to go. Here's a page that will help you to understand how to verify the sha256sum.
3. Now you will need to make that .iso image bootable either on a DVD-R or a USB stick that has nothing on it.
For burning the .iso of Linux onto a DVD-R just use a program {Free ISO Burner} that will burn the .iso at a slow speed onto the DVD-R and wait for it to finish.
For burning your Linux .iso onto a USB you will need to download Rufus. Here's the link for that program.
4. Once your DVD-R or USB has been made bootable with the Linux .iso it's time to enter into the BIOS of your pc and go to the >boot section.
*IF your not sure how to enter the BIOS on your computer it's the DEL key on most desktops and generally F2 on laptops but not always. See your motherboard book to find out which key it is to press to get into the BIOS.
**Whatever key it is to get into your BIOS you will need to press it as the computer is booting up and press it repeatedly until the BIOS come up.**
**Before you enter the BIOS make sure the USB stick is plugged in and or the DVD is in the CDROM drive.**
5. While in the boot section of your BIOS make the DVD-R or the USB stick the first item in your boot menu. Save the changes and exit.
Upon exiting your DVD-R or your USB should start booting up into Linux.
6. Follow the on screen instructions to perform your installation.
When Linux Mint boots it will boot to a desktop envirnment. To start the installation with Linux Mint you will have to double click the icon that says install Linux Mint. Be sure to have your WiFi network name and passphrase handy as you will need it during the installation. DON'T forget to write down your password for your Linux installation.
7. During the installation the installer will show you a window with 3 options. Those options are to 1) Erase the disk and install Linux, 2) install Linux alongside of Windows or 3) Manual Partitioning.
*What you want to choose is "install Linux alongside of Windows".
8. When the installation finishes the installer will alert you to reboot your computer. With Linux Mint the installer will tell you to remove the installation media and press Enter. The computer will boot into your freshly installed Linux distribution.
The first thing you will want to do is update your Linux right away.
Look for your Update Manager put in your password and let the updates get installed.
-:-Here's a heads up-:-
When Linux is installed alongside of Windows it most likely will not show up in your Grub Menu. {Grub is your bootloader}
To make it so that you can boot into Windows or Linux you will have to run a command to update Grub.
Find your terminal in your freshly installed Linux os.
And run this command:
sudo update-grub
The terminal will ask for your password and as you type your password it will not show. This is normal in Linux.
After typing your password hit the Enter key and the terminal will generate operating systems and show in the terminal.
When it's finished you will be back to the prompt in the terminal and it won't move anymore that's how you know it's done.
Close the terminal and reboot.
Upon rebooting you should see Linux and Windows in your Grub Menu.
Linux should be first so just let it boot into Linux if you want Linux.
If you want to boot into Windows just use the down arrow key on your keyboard highlight Windows and press the Enter key.
Congratulations on your dual boot of Linux and Windows.
Enjoy!
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