How to Install Linux on Your Computer
Whether you have a desktop, laptop, or server, chances are you run an operating system. And, while the Windows and macOS (formerly OS X) software that ships with these systems works fine, they’re not the only options out there. If you want to customize, upgrade, or even replace the software on your computer, you can do so with Linux.
Linux is an open source operating system that runs on almost any hardware. It’s secure, flexible, and has a large community of users to provide support and assistance. It’s also used by many companies, including Canonical, SUSE, Red Hat, and others, to power their servers. You probably use Linux in your daily life without knowing it—between one- and two-thirds of webpages are generated by servers running this software.
The key component of any operating system is the kernel, which manages the CPU and connects hardware with applications. The kernel runs in a protected area of memory known as kernel space, which is separate from user space. User space is the virtual memory that holds the programs you run in your operating system.
Most modern Linux distributions—also called “distros”—offer a graphical user interface. These GUIs can help you perform tasks like setting up a wireless network, writing a letter in a word processor, or downloading and installing new apps. The most popular desktop distros include tools like the Ubuntu Software Center and GNOME Software, which make application installation a snap.
You can download a Linux distribution for free and install it on any PC or server that meets its hardware requirements. Most have what’s called a live distro, which lets you try it out by booting from CD/DVD or USB flash drive and following the on-screen instructions. This will give you a complete system that you can use to experiment and decide whether it’s right for you.
Once you decide to install a full Linux distro, you’ll need to create a partition on your hard drive to house the operating system and all of your data. Then, follow the installation instructions on your distribution’s website. Most of them have simple, step-by-step instructions.
Once you’ve installed a distro, you should keep it up to date by using tools and resources provided by your distro or by joining forums and communities related to the software. This will ensure you have the latest patches and security updates, as well as tips on best practices for maintaining your system. It’s also important to monitor your system performance using tools like top and htop, and to regularly clean up your disk space with tools like BleachBit or du. These will help you avoid performance bottlenecks, which can slow down your system.
