Linux is Zero-Cost
If you weren’t already aware, Linux is completely free of charge for both personal and business use. Find out how to Download and install Linux for free!
I recommend that you read my other posts covering which version of Linux is best and reasons to switch to Linux before reading this post so that you at least know which version you want!
A Guide to Linux Installation
Installing Linux is considered challenging, especially for new users.
You need to understand partitioning, the installation process for your chosen distribution, the system requirements and hardware compatibility, how to adjust the UEFI settings and disable secure boot, which software packages to choose and how to configure it all properly post-installation.
How to get it the easy way!
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How to download and install Linux for free
OK so you want a challenge, I’ll try to make this as straightforward as possible but I don’t have the time to write installation guides for each and every version so I’ll include links to the relevant tutorials for your convenience.
Step 1. Choose a Distro
Download an ISO image file for the Linux distribution you want to use. If you want to make it easier to follow my guides and want a stable and reliable version, Debian is top choice.
Here’s a list of popular distros with download links:
Ubuntu – ubuntu.com
Manjaro – manjaro.org
Fedora – fedoraproject.org
Gentoo – gentoo.org
Deepin – deepin.org
OpenSUSE – opensuse.org
SteamOS – steampowered.com
Arch Linux – archlinux.org
Kali Linux – kali.org
Linux Mint – linuxmint.com
EndeavourOS – endeavouros.com
Elementary OS – elementary.io
Peppermint OS – peppermintos.com
GeckoLinux – geckolinux.github.io
Zorin OS – zorin.com
Kubuntu – kubuntu.org
Lubuntu – lubuntu.me
Xubuntu – xubuntu.org
Linux Kernel – kernel.org
Please note the Linux Kernel is not a distribution; it’s the core source code of Linux. It’s ideal if you’re experienced and interested in creating your own Linux distribution.
Step 2. Decide on partitioning
Before you can continue to create a bootable drive, you should know what you’re doing here.
- Are you running Windows and plan on a dual-boot set up?
- Are you installing it on a hard drive dedicated to Linux?
- You don’t have Windows but you want the dual-boot setup?
- Are you planning on installing multiple distributions?
The easiest way is if you’re installing it on a fresh hard drive that has no data on it. You can continue to Step 3.
If you don’t have Windows yet but you’re interested in setting up a dual-boot with Windows and Linux, read this guide: https://opensource.com/article/18/5/dual-boot-linux
If you want to keep Windows and set up Linux so that you have a choice between Microsoft Windows and your Linux Distribution when you start your computer, you need to prepare to set up dual boot. It depends on which version of Windows you have but in recent versions you will need to disable secure boot.
If you already have the one hard disk partition that takes up the whole drive, you will also need to shrink that partition to make space for your Linux installation and partition.
Here’s how to set it up:
https://www.xda-developers.com/dual-boot-windows-11-linux/
If you want to run multiple versions of Linux, you will have to create partitions for each of them. Unless you want to run them as a virtual machine like KVM on your favourite distribution.
Step 3. Create bootable USB
Now you need to create bootable installation media. I’ll assume you’re using a USB drive but you can use whatever suits you. I recommend using either Rufus or Balena Etcher to create the bootable USB from your ISO file. See the guides below.
How to create a bootable USB using Rufus for Linux
How to create a bootable USB using Etcher for Linux
Step 4. Install Linux
You’re ready to install Linux! You should now have a bootable USB ready for installation and a free partition to install Linux. Here’s a few guides for some of the versions of the distributions I mentioned earlier.
You can skip the beginning of some of these guides as we have already downloaded the ISO and created the bootable USB.
Debian: How to install Debian 12 (ImagineLinux.com)
Ubuntu: Install Ubuntu step-by-step (UbuntuHandbook.org)
Manjaro: Install Manjaro Linux (LinuxForDevices.com)
Fedora: How to install Fedora Workstation (LinuxTechi.com)
Deepin: How to install Deepin 20.1 (LinuxTechi.com)
Arch Linux: How to install Arch Linux (It’s FOSS)
Linux Mint: Linux Mint: A Beginners Guide (HelpDeskGeek.com)
Elementary OS: How to install Elementary OS (LinuxTechi.com)
Wrapping up: How to Download and install Linux for free
In this guide, we’ve covered the essential steps for downloading and installing Linux for free. From choosing the right distribution to creating installation media and navigating the installation process, you now have a solid foundation for getting started with Linux.
Share this guide with friends, family, and colleagues who may be interested in exploring Linux for themselves. Let’s grow the community and propel open-source computing into the mainstream.
