In this article I'll be explaining which distro to install and how to know which one to choose for your computer.
The way to know which Linux distro to install on your computer is to know your machines architecture and hardware.
There are distro's for 32-bit and 64-bit computers and I'll list a handful and provide links to help you.
The first thing you will want to do before installing Linux is backup everything on your computer.
Most of my backups are on an external hard drive.
You can also back up to a USB thumb drive provided it has enough room.
***These instructions are for allowing Linux to take over your computer completely and getting rid of Windows.***
There are a handful of Linux distro's that are lightweight for 32-bit computers that are older and they are:
Q4OS, Zorin Lite, Xubuntu, Peppermint, Lubuntu, Puppy Linux, Linux Lite and Anti-X.
More lightweight Linux distro's are here:
If you'd like to explore more Linux distro's you can do so at distrowatch.com.
Just make sure you pick the right .iso for your computer before you download it.
Linux Mint XFCE is available in 32-bit and 64-bit.
Now Linux Mint requires a dual core CPU and 2 Gig's of RAM.
If you are new to Linux I recommend giving Linux Mint a try.
It's easy to run and the update manager is very helpful and runs great.
It only takes about 15 minutes to install Linux Mint.
Any Windows 7 machines are pretty easy to install Linux on.
You don't have to worry about the UEFI firmware until Windows 8.
I'll write a separate article for UEFI machines and the details on that.
If you just want to install Linux and let it take over the computer installing Linux on a Windows 7 machine should be fairly easy.
So, once you have your Linux .iso downloaded it's time to do one of 2 things.
You can burn the image of the .iso to a DVD -R or you can make a Live USB and boot from that.
Place the CD/DVD in the CDRom drive and close it.
Go into the BIOS and make the CDRom drive the first choice in the boot menu save and exit. Upon exiting the DVD should start booting up and lead you to the Linux desktop or take you directly to the installation depending on which distro you have chosen.
***Linux Mint will not go directly to the install. You'll boot to a desktop of Mint and from there you will have to double click on the 'Install Linux Mint' icon to start the install.***
To make a Linux .iso bootable on a USB you will need to download Rufus.
Rufus will make your USB thumb drive bootable with Linux. Once Rufus finishes all you'll have to do is plug in the USB, go into the BIOS and make the USB device the first selection in the drop down boot menu. Than save and exit the BIOS.
Upon reboot, your USB will boot into the Linux distro and walk you through the Linux installation. Like I said Linux Mint only takes about 15 minutes to install.
Here a complete Guide to installing Linux Mint:
When the installation is finished the Linux Mint installer will prompt you to remove the installation media and press enter to reboot into your fresh installation. (If it doesn't prompt you to remove the installation media let the machine reboot and as so as you see the flash screen remove the media quick)
IF you want to keep Windows and install Linux alongside of Windows you will need other instructions.
--Dual booting Windows alongside of Linux is a little bit tricky, so I'll explain that in another article.--
Have a great weekend!
Alex