Hello and welcome! I’m thrilled to help you get started with installing Linux on your computer. Linux is a free and open-source operating system that offers a wide range of benefits, including improved security, customizability, and access to a vast selection of software applications. Whether you’re a developer, student, or simply someone who wants to explore new computing possibilities, Linux is a fantastic choice.
In this post, I’ll walk you through the steps to easily install Linux on your existing operating system using VirtualBox, be it Windows or Mac. Don’t worry if you’re a complete newbie, I’ll make sure to explain each step in detail and make the process as simple as possible. So, let’s get started and unlock the power of Linux!
Installing Linux Distro in Windows Operating System
Step 1: Download the Linux ISO File
Before installing Linux on your Windows operating system using VirtualBox, you will need to download the ISO file for the Linux distribution you want to install. There are many popular Linux distributions available, such as Ubuntu, Linux Mint, and Debian, among others. You can download the ISO file for the Linux distribution of your choice from its official website.
Linux Distros from official site : Download
Step 2: Install VirtualBox
Once the download is complete, run the VirtualBox installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install VirtualBox on your computer. During the installation process, you may be prompted to allow VirtualBox to make changes to your system. Click “Yes” to proceed.
Step 3: Create a New Virtual Machine
After installing VirtualBox, you will need to create a new virtual machine to install Linux. Click on the “New” button in the VirtualBox Manager window to begin the process.
Step 4: Configure the Virtual Machine
In the “Name and Operating System” window, enter a name for your virtual machine (such as “Ubuntu” or “Linux Mint”) and select the type of operating system you want to install (such as “Linux” and the version you want to install).
Step 5: Allocate System Resources
In the “Memory” window, allocate the amount of memory (RAM) you want to assign to the virtual machine. It’s recommended to assign at least 2 GB of RAM to ensure optimal performance.
Step 6: Create a Virtual Hard Disk
In the “Hard Disk” window, select “Create a virtual hard disk now” and click “Create”. Select the type of virtual hard disk you want to create (such as VDI or VHD) and allocate the amount of disk space you want to assign to the virtual machine. It’s recommended to allocate at least 18 GB of disk space.
Step 7: Install Linux
After creating the virtual machine, select it from the VirtualBox Manager window and click on the “Start” button. In the “Select start-up disk” window, browse to the location of the Linux ISO file you downloaded in Step 1 and select it. Click “Start” to begin the installation process.
Step 8: Follow the Installation Wizard
The installation process will vary depending on the Linux distribution you are installing, but in general, you will need to follow the on-screen instructions to configure the installation settings, such as language, time zone, and partitioning. Once the installation is complete, you should be able to boot into the Linux operating system within VirtualBox.
But wait, what if you’re running a Mac? Don’t worry, the steps to install Linux using VirtualBox on a Mac are pretty much the same as for Windows. So, let’s get started with the Mac installation process!
Installing Linux Distro in Mac Operating System
Step 1: Download the Linux ISO File
Before installing Linux on your Mac operating system using VirtualBox, you will need to download the ISO file for the Linux distribution you want to install. There are many popular Linux distributions available, such as Ubuntu, Linux Mint, and Debian, among others. You can download the ISO file for the Linux distribution of your choice from its official website.
Linux Distros from official site : Download
Step 2: Install VirtualBox
If you haven’t already done so, download and install VirtualBox on your Mac computer by following the instructions in the previous section.
Step 3: Create a New Virtual Machine
After installing VirtualBox, launch it and click on the “New” button to create a new virtual machine.
Step 4: Configure the Virtual Machine
In the “Name and Operating System” window, enter a name for your virtual machine (such as “Ubuntu” or “Linux Mint”) and select the type of operating system you want to install (such as “Linux” and the version you want to install).
Step 5: Allocate System Resources
In the “Memory” window, allocate the amount of memory (RAM) you want to assign to the virtual machine. It’s recommended to assign at least 2 GB of RAM to ensure optimal performance.
Step 6: Create a Virtual Hard Disk
In the “Hard Disk” window, select “Create a virtual hard disk now” and click “Create”. Select the type of virtual hard disk you want to create (such as VDI or VHD) and allocate the amount of disk space you want to assign to the virtual machine. It’s recommended to allocate at least 18 GB of disk space.
Step 7: Install Linux
After creating the virtual machine, select it from the VirtualBox Manager window and click on the “Start” button. In the “Select start-up disk” window, browse to the location of the Linux ISO file you downloaded in Step 1 and select it. Click “Start” to begin the installation process.
Step 8: Follow the Installation Wizard
The installation process will vary depending on the Linux distribution you are installing, but in general, you will need to follow the on-screen instructions to configure the installation settings, such as language, time zone, and partitioning. Once the installation is complete, you should be able to boot into the Linux operating system within VirtualBox.
Conclusion
I hope by following the step-by-step instructions provided in this post, you have installed Linux on your computer easily.
Note: Always download the ISO file for your chosen Linux distribution from its official website. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying the many benefits of Linux!
Also remember to allocate enough system resources such as memory and disk space for optimal performance!
If you want to learn more about Linux, I would highly recommend you to check out my detailed article on this interesting topic 🔥
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Read More : A comprehensive guide to Linux for beginners and intermediates part-1
