Assistance with setting up the first Linux installation
Assistance with setting up the first Linux installation
Your system currently uses an SSD for Windows with an HDD holding all your files. Your friend gifted you a brand-new 320 GB WD HDD that hasn’t been used. You’re thinking about installing Linux just to explore it, and you’re okay with learning the basics before diving into more complex tasks like running a game server. I’ll help you figure out the best Linux distribution, how to set up multiple OSes, and what steps to take before installing. Just remember, you’ll keep Windows on two drives while Linux runs on the third one you add later. Let’s go through this step by step.
Ubuntu is an extremely beginner-friendly OS. It can be paired with Windows easily and has a very compact size. Simply visit this site, generate a bootable USB, install it, and follow the standard steps. A 60GB drive works well unless you intend to run many games there. Once set up, you’re ready to go. The distribution also includes pre-installed programs and libraries, such as Python and LaTeX.
Begin with Ubuntu or Mint, both are excellent choices for starting. For dual booting, launch from the Linux media and install on the empty disk; GRUB will recognize Windows and add it to the boot sequence without further input. Be sure to adjust the BIOS settings to prioritize the 320GB drive. Be prepared to reset several installations before achieving a reliable system.
Adjust to GRUB version 320 and select Linux or Windows during boot.