Recently I wrote aboput showing my nephews Linux Mint.  Linux soon had 2 converts.  And they are spreading the word.  Seems the younger crowd doesn't have all the hangups about how to be productive.

So, if you want to ditch Windows, and you wish to install Linux Mint, follow these simple steps.  Additionally, Debian or Ubuntu also install the same, along with most distributions of Linux.

Let's say you've seen Linux and are interested in making the leap.  I'll assume you've already backed up your music, pictures, and any other data files you don't wish to lose.  This would include your email if not using a web based server.  I have found most of the younger crowd lives off webbased mail servers, so I am learning, also.

First, you need a CD.  This you will be using for the "Live CD" of whatever distribution you chose.  Distrowatch.com on the lower left side shows the current hit numbers, clicking on the list will take you to a link allowing you to download an iso file (I personally use Linux Mint - it just works for me).  This is what you need to get rolling.  If you wish to make sure you get it right, and have the time, you can always order the CD from just about every disto site.

Once you download the iso file, you now use nero burn, sonix, or any burn program and point it to the iso.  Currently, just about every program will realize it's an iso and ask you is you wish to write this image to disk.  THAT"S IT!  That's exactly what you want to do.  Once done, you now have a bootable Distro disk.

Assuming you've already backed up your data, and are ready for the big jump, restart the PC.  It should give you a message on boot, then it's a few questions to the install.  Most Linux distro's boot onto the Live CD, and give you an install icon.  Tap the install icon.  Follow the easy questions.  You can decide to keep your Windows when you get that prompt, or you can ditch Windows completely.

After the install is complete, you will be prompted to restart or continue, restart.

Pop out the CD, and you are rebooted.  If you do nothing, you are into Linux.  From here, I like a couple of things more than others.  The first thing to realize, is the Synaptic Package Manager.  It's normally under Administration from the menus.  Here you can install packages and not mess up your install.  This is important, because you want the software to update if it needs to to be smoother in operation.

I install Songbird, bacause I think it's the besy iPod sync music player on the platform.  AS soon as it is done, I also add Avant Window Navigator (AWN on some distros) for a great taskbar.  I change the Panel bar via right button click to the top of my screen.  Reminds me right away it's not Windows.  Then I make sure I enable any drivers I need for video and wireless.  This can be tricky, but in Linux Mint, it's usually just a prompt.  Realize if it asks you if you want to enable a wireless driver, and you have no internet connection, you will need to enable this via hardwire or broadband to get the download.

Now I install Compiz.  I love the desktop, eyecandy to some, production to some.  I personally like both points.  In Linux Mint, you do this via the control center.  Go to the simple settings first, it's here you set the cube up, and the number of sides, and enable the extra annimations.

I then go to the complete settings and set up the burn, airplane, and anything else I can't live without.

So, check it out, and tell me how it went.  Any questions - comment on up!

Surf Safe

ezsurfer