You can install Linux from CD or DVD onto a new computer system. This will allow you to learn how to use Linux to get real, practical Linux training and experience. In this article, we're talking about a new system that doesn't already have an operating system (like Windows) on it.

You can download the free Linux operating system as a Linux ISO file and burn it to CD or DVD yourself, or you can order Linux on CD or DVD and have it mailed to you.

Linux Tips: Linux ISO files are large. Only download Linux if you have high-speed Internet access. You can buy and have the Linux OS delivered by to you by mail very cheaply. Just do an Internet search for "list of linux cds" or "list of linux dvds".

Linux Tips: Linux DVDs hold a lot more programs than CDs. Order a Linux DVD version and you will have more Linux software programs to choose from than on a CD version - and you will also need fewer Linux DVDs than CDs!

7 Steps to Install Linux on a New Computer System

1. Document Your Linux Installation Settings

During the Linux installation, you need to specify some system settings. These include: the Linux software programs and desktop(s) you want installed, networking settings, and disk partition sizes.

2. Boot with the Linux CD or DVD and Start the Linux Installation Routine

Do the steps to set up your system to boot from its CD or DVD drive.

Shut down your system and boot it with the first Linux CD / DVD in the drive and start the Linux installation routine.

3. Specify Your Linux Installation Settings

Follow the on-screen prompts and put in the installation settings you documented in Step 1.

4. Create a Regular ("Non-root") User

You log in to work on a Linux system as a Linux "user", with a user name and password. You can log in as the "root" user, or as a "non-root" user.

You log in and work on the Linux OS as the root user when you need to do Linux system administration tasks. For example, you work as the root user to run a Linux command to create a new Linux user, or to do the steps to install a Linux server.

When you install Linux, the root user is always created automatically for doing Linux system administration tasks. However, for security reasons, you should never log in to a Linux desktop as the root user.

At some point during the installation routine, you will be asked if you want to create one or more "regular" (non-root) Linux users. Always create at least one regular Linux user and log in as this user to do day-to-day tasks.

5. Let the Linux OS Install on Your Hard Disk

After you specify the Linux installation settings and create one or more new Linux users, the installation routine will copy the Linux OS and Linux software programs onto the hard disk in the system, and then reboot.

6. Log In to Test the System

Once the system reboots, log in as a "regular" (non-root) Linux user to test that you can do work as this user. At this point, the Linux desktop appears and you can run Linux programs to test the system.

Linux Tips: Remember not to log in to a Linux desktop as the root user.

Test the root user by logging in as a regular Linux user and opening a terminal emulation window. Then run the su command to log in and work as the root user.

7. Have fun!

The Linux OS is an amazing and extremely reliable system. And there are thousands of Linux software programs for all kinds of uses.

By installing and running Linux you can get lots of great practical Linux training experience while working with Linux. You can work at a Linux desktop and run commonly used Linux software programs. You can also work at the Linux command line and learn how to use Linux commands - the way the real pros do Linux system administration.

Copyright © 2007 Clyde Boom.

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About the Author

Clyde Boom, Author and Expert Trainer with 20+ Years of Training Successes.

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