Linux Distributions – Choosing and Installing Your System

What is a Linux Distribution
a collection of softwarebased on Linux kernel and a package management system
besides the kernel a distribution includes
  • GNU tools - basic utilities
  • a desktop environment
  • package manager - tool for installing and updating software
  • pre-installed apps - browsers, media players, office suites
  • system configuration tools - apps to help connect to WiFi, add printers, and manage users
Understanding Distribution Families: Debian, Red Hat, Arch and Others
most distributions are not built from scratch
based on a few 'parent' distributions
three main families

The Debian Family
founded in 1993
stricctly non-commercial and community run
largest family due to Ubuntu
distributions based on Ubuntu includes
  • Linux Mint
  • Pop!_OS
  • Elementary OS

most software support and user-friendly tools

The Red Hat Family
Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) is the industry standard for corporate servers
RHEL is a commercial product
Fedora is testing ground for Red Hat
free, community-driven, and cutting edge
OS intended for desktops not servers
free versions suitable for servers include
  • CentOS
  • CentOS Stream
  • Rocky Linux
  • Alma Linux
The Arch Family
famous for being lightweight, flexible and difficult to install
no desktop or web browser
just a command prompt
there are distributions which wrap Arch with an easy to use installer
  • Manjaro
  • EndeavourOS
Popular Distributions Explained: Ubuntu, Fedore, Debian, CentOS stream, Arch Linux, Linux Mint
DistributionNotesProsCons
Ubuntu produced by Canonical
"Linux for human beings" 		extremely popular
vast amount of on-line help
minimal hardware requirements
very easy to install 		Canonical attempts to push their own technologies over community standards
Linux Mint based on Ubuntu
feels like Windows
start menu-style interface 		familiar interface
extremely stable
great community 		visual design can feel slightly dated
Fedora uses GNOME desktop environment
adheres to open-source principles 		very up-to-date software
highly secure
excellent for developers 		extra work to get proprietary software (like NVIDIA drivers or certain video codecs) working
Debian incredibly stable
can run for years without crashing 		stability
massive software repository
democratic community project 		versions can be quite old due to testing
Arch Linux ultimate customizable system
uses a "rolling release" model
install it once and just keep updating it forever 		absolute latest software when released
no versions 		if an update has a bug you have a bug
installation is manual and text-based
Choosing the Right Distribution for Your Goals
author recommends Ubuntu or Linux Mint for beginners

Installation Methods: Dual Boot, Virtual Machines,andBare Metal
Virtual Machines (The Safest Route)
VM allows running Linux as an app in Windows or Mac system
can allocate 4GB of RAM and 20GB of storage to the VM
then install Linux to the virtual disk drive
easy recovery from installatiion error by deleting the VM

Bare Metal (The Clean Slate)
clean install to computer
provides Linux direct access to CPU and video card

Dual Boot (The Compromise)
complex to set up
need to shrink the existing to provide space for Linux
Step-by-Step: Installing Ubuntu (A Beginner's First Install)
Preparation
obtain the installation media
  1. go to ubuntu website
  2. click 'Download' and select 'Ubuntu Desktop'
  3. download long term support (LTS) version
  4. download is large .iso file

for a bare metal install
  1. need a USB stick
  2. download and install BalenaEtcher
  3. use the tool to burn the ISO to the USB device
  4. plug USB device into the target computer
  5. restart the computer and go to the boot menu
  6. select boot from USB drive
The Live Environment
when Ubuntu boots it will not be installed
machine will be in a 'Live Environment' mode
can browse the web, check WiFi, etc.
to actually install Ubuntu click the 'Install Ubuntu' icon on the desktop

The Installation Process
  1. Welcome and Language - select language and continue
  2. Keyboard Layout - Ubuntu can detect the keyboard layout
  3. Updates and Other Software
    • check 'Download updates while installing Ubuntu'
    • check 'Install third-party software for graphics and WiFi hardware'
  4. Installation Type - select option
    • 'Erase disk and install Ubuntu' can be used with VM or bare metal install
    • 'Install Ubuntu along side Windows Boot Manager' - dual boot will try to resize Windows partition
    • 'Something else' - manual partitioning for advanced users
  5. Where are you? - select time zone
  6. Who are you? - enter details, check 'Require my password to log in'
  7. The Wait - Ubuntu can take from 10 to 30 minutes to install (optimistic)
  8. Restart - when 'Installation Complete' message is displayed click the 'Restart Now' button
Post-Installation Checklist: Updates, Drivers and Initial Configuration
Run Your First Update
even though updates were downloaded during installation, there could be additional updates
a window titled 'Software Updater' might pop up automatically, run it
if not use the CLI to check for updates
  1. press the 'Super' (Windows) key to open the menu
  2. enter 'Terminal' to open the CLI
  3. in the windows enter the command 
    sudo apt update
  4. enter your password and hit Enter
  5. a list of available software is displayed
  6. to install the updates use the command 
    sudo apt upgrade
  7. the system will patch itself
Check for Additional Drivers
use the Super key to and enter 'Additional Drivers'
utility will scan system
any listed item labled proprietary, tested should be selected
click 'Apply Changes'

Install Essential Media Codecs
installed when 'Install third-party software' selected during installation
if problems are found running video files, in the CLI use the command 
sudo apt install ubuntu-restricted-extras
follow the prompts
select 'OK' or 'Yes' if asked by a prompt

Configure the Display
right click the desktop and select 'Display Settings'

Explore the Software Center
open the Ubuntu Software app (orange suitcase icon)
safest place to find new apps

Set Up Backups
Ubuntu comes with a built-in backup tool
called 'Deja Dup' or simply 'Backups'
open the Activity menu and search for 'Backups'
can set to automatically backup the Home folder

Customize the Look
go to 'Settings > Appearance'
Deep Dive: Why Partitioning Matters
when installing Ubuntu in the bare metal mode, the installer creates at least two partitions
usually three partitions
  • EFI System Partition (ESP) - ~500 MB
    contains the Bootloader
  • Root Partition (/) - contains OS, apps and files
  • Swap Partition - when RAM is full, inactive data is moved to the swap partition
Troubleshooting Your First Install
Issues
  1. computer boots to Windows
    change boot order to check USB drive first
  2. Secure Boot error
    Secure Boot is security feature
    prevents malicious software from loading
    some hardware can block Secure Boot
    go to BIOS and disable Secure Boot option
  3. WiFi not woorking during installation
    proprietary drivers may be required
    use Ethernet cable to connect to intranet/internet
    once installation is complete use "Additional Drivers" tools to obtain the drivers
Summary
  • Distributions : all distributions share the same kernel
  • Families : most distributions are based on
    • Debian (Ububtu, Mint)
    • Red Hat (Fedora)
    • Arch
  • Recommendation : recommend Ubuntu or Linux Mint for beginners
  • Installation : can install as dual boot(complex), base metal (fast) or in a virtual machine (most secure)
  • Live Environment : USB installer allows testing before installation
  • Post-Install : always run updates after installation complete
  • Drivers : use "Additional Drivers" tool to install proprietary drivers
index