Against the backdrop of the global popularity of Microsoft Windows products, it is somehow imperceptible, at first glance, that another manufacturer of operating systems looks like The Linux Foundation. But in fact, it is worth recognizing that the Linux OS is no worse, and in some respects significantly better than Windows.
Linux advantages
The main advantage of the Linux system is its performance. Yes, there is no problem how to install Linux Ubuntu, since it is installed on virtually all computers with the weakest technical characteristics.
For comparison - even on those PCs where the unpretentious Windows XP starts to “skid” and “lag”, Linux works quite comfortably.
Further, the requirements for the technical stuffing of the computer. Here the advantage of "Linux" is felt at times. So, for full-fledged work with the OS, 512 MB of RAM is enough. If you draw a parallel, then this amount of RAM is enough only to work in Win XP, and even then not at full capacity.
The following is worth noting the occupied space on the hard drive. Therefore, if the user decided to choose Linux, how to install it, it will not be difficult to figure it out, since there is no need to strain in trying to increase the system disk for OS stock. Only 5 GB of free space will be needed to install this system, while Windows requires about 15-30 GB, depending on the version. In addition, a good set of programs, both office and useful utilities, comes with the installation file.
Install Linux - First Steps
In principle, there should not be much difficulty in installing Linux Mint. Nevertheless, clear instructions should be followed.
Firstly, you immediately need to decide which version of the OS will be installed. There are several choices:
- Normal version. The standard version of Linux, how to install it, even a novice user will understand. The only caveat that you should know is that this version is improved every 6 months.
- LTS version (Long Term Support). This is an advanced OS that raises its level every 2 years and, most importantly, is supported by developers for three years after release.
Important! Both options are interchangeable, that is, the regular version can be updated to LTS, and vice versa. Actually, there are no critical differences between them, except for the service life.
Nevertheless, it is preferable to use Long Term Support, due to long-term support.
Linux installation instructions
Before installing Kali Linux, you must prepare the installation media. To do this, you need an original image of the Linux system (you can download it on the official website).
An important point! Before starting the installation, you should go into the BIOS and select CD / DVD (for disks) and USB Drive (for flash drives) as the priority boot source.
The second step is to create bootable media - a CD / DVD-ROM or USB-drive. Actually, how to install Linux on a USB flash drive or disk? Yes, just like any other ISO image - through Nero, ISOBuster or Rufus.
So, the preparatory work is completed, the Linux media is inserted. How to install it further? It is necessary to restart the PC, and since priority is set, immediately after this procedure, the welcome window for installing the operating system will start.
Linux installation sequence
This OS is multilingual, so after selecting the desired language you need to click the option “Install Linux”. The process has begun.
However, if the question is how to install Linux Mint, or another version, then the answer is simple. All installation points are identical, and the sequence of actions is the same.
The next few steps can be left unchanged by simply clicking the Continue button. All settings will be set by default and if desired, the user can change them.
The next stage is the markup and selection of the hard drive on which the system will be installed. In principle, defaults are also set here, so active user participation is not required, except if you need to change the layout or if several physical disks are connected to the computer.
Otherwise, you just need to click Install Now.
Information! The newer and faster the hard drive, the greater stability in the system will be provided. Accordingly, applications and PC resources will run faster.
Advanced system settings
After performing the above steps, the user will be prompted to further configure Linux. How to set the time, date and time zone, for example, keyboard layouts, geolocation data and more.
Still need to worry about the security of personal data and information stored on a PC. To do this, create a personal account and choose a complex password. In principle, if the computer does not and will not have any important data, then you can select the option “Log in automatically”. This item will save the PC owner from the constant password entry procedure.
On this, in fact, everything now remains to wait until Linux is installed on the computer. and you can start the first launch. Yes, at the end of the installation process, the machine should be rebooted again so that all settings are saved and adapted.
In addition, after installing Linux, the installed programs are also ready to work, since they are bundled with the system itself. This is a graphical editor, software for opening multimedia files, office programs and many other useful goodies.
How to install Windows on Linux - the preparatory phase
There is such an opportunity - the combination of several operating systems, namely Windows and Linux.
The procedure for installing Windows on installed Linux is quite simple, since not a single file will be deleted during the installation process. Both operating systems will work independently of each other, without creating conflicts.
Important! It should be noted that the system requirements for Linux and Windows are significantly different. Therefore, for the comfortable and stable operation of both systems, you must adhere to the requirements for the Microsoft product. If the PC does not correspond to them, then there can be no talk of any combination of the OS.
So, Linux is already installed on the computer, now you need to create a working environment for Windows to function.
This will require a virtualizer program. Usually they use convenient software - VirtualBox. By default, it is present in the Linux application package, but you must install it manually.
Install VirtualBox
So, in order to install the virtualizer, you will need to open the Linux package repository. Installed packages as well as installers are stored in the Software Manager folder.
There, through the search bar, you need to enter VirtualBox, after which you should run the found application. In the menu that opens, click Install, and the installation process will begin. The only condition is the availability of an Internet connection. Next, the system itself will download the necessary files and install them. The result will be a VirtualBox shortcut on the desktop.
Now you can begin to configure the virtual machine to install Windows. Yes, yes, there are only one options for installing Windows on Linux - only in virtual space.
For information. There is another way - to start the Windows installation and select the option “Install next to Linux”, however, it should be remembered that most programs of these OSs are incompatible, so you have to “bother” with the search for alternatives.
Virtual machine settings
After VirtualBox has been launched, you can begin to solve the problem of how to install windows on installed Linux. First you need to create a new virtual machine. The New command is used.
In the window that opens, the user will be prompted to name the operating system being created. After that, a global folder with the same name will be automatically created. All system files will be saved to it.
Following is the most important stage - determining the size of RAM and the OS itself. The main thing to remember here is that you need to set such parameters that will meet at least the minimum requirements for the system. Of course, it is desirable to set more, since the performance and speed of the processes performed will depend on this.
Finally, the final preparatory step is to select the type of virtual drive and determine how to write data. Actually, the most common type of virtual disk is VDI (Virtual Disk Image), so this item can be left unchanged.
Well, as for the recording, here the situation is twofold. On the one hand, if the “Fixed size” option is selected, then the OS will work more efficiently and quickly. And if you select "Dynamically allocated", then the speed will drop somewhat, but the size of the memory can be increased as it is full.
So, before installing Kali Linux, and then Windows, it is worth calculating the capabilities of your PC, and is it possible to combine operating systems without consequences in work.
Getting started in a virtual environment
So, all the settings have been completed, and now it's time to move on to working with the virtual disk. After choosing the type of memory and clicking the “Next” button, VirtualBox begins the process of creating a working environment. This operation lasts up to about an hour (on powerful PCs up to half an hour), and upon its completion a notification will be displayed that the virtual working environment has been successfully created. Everything, the VirtualBox application can be closed.
Now another important aspect - the existing image of the Windows system should be copied to the folder that was created under the name of the OS (the same name with the name of the system). Now you need to run VirtualBox again to check the results of your work.
The created virtual OS is launched using the Start button (if everything is done without errors). Windows in virtual mode starts by analogy with turning on the PC. Thus, the end result of all manipulations is the simultaneous operation of two operating systems - Windows and Linux without conflicts.
A short tour of the right Linux programs
In fact, Linux has a lot of useful programs that are not inferior in functionality to Windows applications. And some are even completely identical.
Browsers In Linux, browsers such as Chrome, Opera, and Mozilla work quite comfortably. The choice of any of them depends on the power of the PC and the needs of the user.
Office applications. Everything is simple here - Libre Office is a worthy analogue of Microsoft Office, so that when working with text, tables, presentations and pictures, the user will not have problems.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is worth noting that the Linux operating system still has not gained a sufficient level of popularity among ordinary people. Well, somehow people used to think in stereotypes, and if there was an opinion that Windows is the best platform, then you should not even consider other options.
But if you think about it, it turns out that Linux is much more pragmatic to use, both technically and materially. After all, its use is absolutely free, unlike the Microsoft family, and computer power consumption is reduced significantly.
However, the final choice in favor of one of the systems is a purely individual affair of each user.