Installing Linux Mint

There was a time when there were only two prime choices when choosing an operating system for a computer. Either you went for Windows or for a Mac based computer. Unix and Linux operating systems were for geeks. Thankfully, that is no longer the case. Today, thanks to the open source software movement, we have many user-friendly Linux distributions are available, which are easy to install and provide functionality which matches with proprietary operating systems like Windows and Mac OS X. Known to be as one of the best Linux distributions for beginners, Mint is a preferred alternative of many new users.

About Linux Mint

Mint comes in many editions and versions. Most of them are based on Ubuntu, which explains why it has all the same software packages as Ubuntu. However, the user interface is substantially different from Ubuntu. It has a separate software manager, as well as an update manager which is very simple to use, compared to other Linux distributions. It comes with a range of other special programs like Upload manager and Backup Tool.

Besides this, there are many other programs like Mozilla Firefox, OpenOffice, Transmission, GIMP and Pidgin. You may also use programs designed for Windows, using 'Wine' or VMware. Installing this Linux version, from a flash drive is possible now, as a special program called USB creator is included in the live CD package. Using this program, installation using a USB flash drive is possible.

Installing Linux Mint 10 (Julia)

Let me walk you through the step wise procedure for installing this Linux version, using a Live CD.

Step 1: Download Linux Mint 10 ISO File
First step of course is to download the Live CD ISO file from its official website. There are many ways in which you can accomplish this. You could either go for a direct download through Download mirror links or go for a P2P (torrent) download. The latter is the most recommended option as downloads through torrents tend to be faster. Download the ISO files and save it on your hard drive. The ISO file will have a 700 MB file size and the system will require at least 512 MB of RAM to run smoothly on your computer.

Step 2: Burn ISO File to CD
Using a program like Nero, you can write the ISO image on to a CD, to create a bootable disc. Don't burn the file as a data file, but make sure that you burn it as a bootable disc.

Step 3: Go For a Test Run
Once your bootable CD is ready, you are all set for a trial run. Just insert the disc in the optical drive and choose the 'Start Linux Mint' option to boot using the Live CD. This way, you can run it, without installing it on your hard drive. If you like it, click on the 'Install Linux Mint' option on the Desktop, which you see through the Live CD boot up.

Step 4: Begin Installation & Choose Drive
You may choose to install it to be the only operating system on your computer hard drive or install it along with another operating system. Choose between the two options and proceed to select the drive volume on which you plan to install Mint. Then you can click on the 'Install Now' option.

Step 5: Choosing Installation Options
You will be asked to select the language and time zone according to the nearest city, before you go ahead with the actual installation. You will also be asked to choose the computer keyboard layout and the root login name and password, while the installation is underway and files get copied.

Step 6: Reboot to Start Using
The installation may take anywhere between 10 to 15 minutes and once it's done, you will be asked to restart the computer entirely. Once the computer reboots, the chain loader will load, which will ask which computer operating system to load, if you have two operating systems installed. You will be asked to log in with the root user name and password. With that, you are ready to use your newly installed OS.

For upgrading Linux Mint, you must download and install the latest version's ISO file and follow the same procedure as outlined above, with the added precaution of backing up your data beforehand. This Linux avatar is an improvement over Ubuntu, including several software programs, video encoders and other restricted extra software that is not found in Ubuntu. Its simpler interface makes it the ideal Linux distribution, to be used by beginners. Install this 'Minty' flavored Linux distribution and harness the power of Linux placed at your fingertips.