-★ Complete Linux Installation & Startup Guide ★-

[Solidus]

• Complete Linux Installation & Startup Guide •

~written by Solidus

Curious about Linux? This guide will assist you with installation, and learning the basics such as installing programs, updating and using the Terminal.
In this tutorial, I will be using a Linux distro named 'Xubuntu', version 9.04. Why? It's a simple and lightweight distro, suitable for new users and those who don't have powerful computers.



• Downloading & Installing Xubuntu 9.04

There are 2 options for installing Xubuntu.
~Creating a bootable DVD.
~Creating a bootable USB flash drive.


Where to download Xubuntu.

Code:

http://www.xubuntu.org/get

You want version 9.04 (Jaunty Jackalope)

Creating a bootable DVD.
After downloading, you need to burn it to a blank DVD. I suggest ImgBurn.
Once downloaded, run the program. Select 'Write image file to disc'. Insert your blank DVD, browse to the Xubuntu file, select it and begin burning.

After successfully burning Xubuntu to your DVD, you will now install it.
Restart your computer with the bootable DVD in the disc drive. Upon boot up, hit F2 to enter your BIOS. Toggle along to the boot options, and move your disc drive up so it will boot first. Exit BIOS and installation will begin.

When prompted by the first screen, select 'Install Xubuntu'. After a short time, you will be asked to select your location, time zone and keyboard settings. After doing so, the partitioner will ask you where to install Xubuntu.
If you intend using Xubuntu as your only operating system, select 'Use entire disk'. This will remove everything currently on your hard drive, and install Xubuntu.

If you intend to dual boot with a Windows OS, select 'Install them side by side, choosing between them each startup'. Now you select how much hard disk space Xubuntu will have. Simply use the slider located on the coloured bar to select the desired space.



After selection, just keep proceeding and Xubuntu will install.
When installation is complete, you will be asked to fill in account details, after doing so, you need to restart the computer and your Xubuntu desktop will begin.
Congratulations, you have successfully installed Xubuntu 9.04

Creating a bootable USB flash drive.
This is the other way to install Xubuntu, you need a blank USB flash drive with a minimum of 2gb space, FAT32 formatted (default).
Download Xubuntu from the link above.
Download XU904p.exe from,

Code:

http://www.pendrivelinux.com/downloads/xu904/XU904p.exe

Extract the contents, and move your Xubuntu .iso file into the created folder.
From the XU904 folder, run 'XU904.bat' and follow the instructions given.
After a short time, your USB flash drive will be bootable. Restart your computer, hit F2 upon boot to enter the BIOS, navigate to the boot options, and move USB boot to the top.
Follow the same installation instructions given above.

That's both ways to install Xubuntu, once you have done this successfully, you're ready to use your new desktop.


• Using Xubuntu 9.04

If you've never used any Linux distro before, you wont be able to use it to it's maximum potential instantly, give yourself time to learn. Here's a few basics you need to know.

The 'Terminal'
The Terminal is the command line of Linux, you use it to do many things, such as installing programs, cleaning files, change permissions and so on.
For a complete list of Terminal commands, go to,

Code:

http://ss64.com/bash/

The most used command is 'Sudo'. Mainly used to install new programs.
For example, if you want to install aMSN (an IM client), you would type,
sudo apt-get install aMSN
Terminal will then download and install aMSN for you. It's that simple.

Applications to use first
~Synaptic Package Manager
~Update Manager
~Add/Remove (for new programs)

All accessible via the applications menu.

Wine
Wine is used to run your favourite Windows programs. To get Wine, open a Terminal and type,
sudo apt-get install wine

Now you can download .exe and .msi files. Just right click them, and run them in Wine.

Popular Programs
Google Chrome

Code:

http://www.google.com/chrome/intl/en/eula_dev.html?dl=unstable_i386_deb

This is a .deb file, it will automatically open with the .deb installer. Very simple.

Flash Player

Code:

http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/

.deb is the easiest option.

Most of the programs you need can be installed using 'Add/Remove' from the start menu.

Useful Links
http://www.gnomefiles.org/
http://www.getdeb.net/
http://www.linuxsoftware.org/
http://www.icewalkers.com/
http://www.linuxsoft.cz/en/

Useful Terminal Commands
sudo apt-get clean
sudo apt-get autoclean
sudo apt-get autoremove
sudo apt-get localepurge (use only once)

They're all safe, they just remove junk files and unused packages.


That's all for now, more will be added.
I hope this guide helps you install and use Linux for the first time.
Remember to give Linux a chance, it wont be easy right from go. Play around with it, configure everything, you'll learn to love it.
All credits go to me.
Enjoy!

[Headshot]

First! I already mentioned that I love this thread on HF.

[Skill]

This is a good guide, if I ever decide to move to Linux I know where i'll be looking

Good job iBruteforce.

[TheDoctor]

First! I already mentioned that I love this thread on HF.

+1
When I do : sudo apt-get clean I do not get any kind of notification, is it supposed to be that way ?

[Solidus]

It is yea.

[~~bLaCkOut~~]

Nice to see you on here iBruteforce!

[Linux]

Yep i got the Linux name woot! I'm jf812 on HF. Nice guide with pics

[HuNt3R]

Great thread love it!

[Lucien Lachance]

This would have helped me two years ago

iBruteforce has done it again.

[John]

Good 'ol iBruteforce