Linux installation for beginners: 7 steps to success

The Linux® installation for beginners may seem complex at first glance, but with the right guidance, switching to the open-source operating system is entirely achievable. Linux® offers security and stability as well as full cost transparency with no licensing fees. This guide walks you through the key steps for a successful Linux installation and shows you what to pay attention to. From choosing the right distribution to the initial configuration, you will receive practical tips to help you get started in the Linux world.

What is Linux, and why should beginners install it?

Linux® is an open-source operating system based on the Unix kernel and freely available. Unlike proprietary systems, you can view, modify, and redistribute the source code. This transparency provides security benefits, as vulnerabilities are identified and fixed by the global developer community.

The cost structure is transparent for businesses. With Linux, costs arise for support and maintenance. In addition, Linux runs reliably even on older hardware, extending the service life of your existing IT infrastructure.

From a security perspective, Linux has a mature permission system and low susceptibility to malware. Regular updates are installed directly via the package manager, without requiring separate update tools.

Another key aspect is the opportunity to engage with Linux or Unix-like operating systems in general and gain initial insights into their structures. Linux is one of the core pillars of the internet and server technologies in data centers. Even if desktop use is not as widespread as Linux fans would like, it is highly important today to have experience working with Linux in an IT profession. You can take your first steps easily and free of charge on your home PC—optionally as a dual-boot setup or in a virtual machine if you do not want to install Linux directly on your PC.

Which Linux distribution is suitable for beginners?

For beginners, user-friendly distributions such as Ubuntu®, Linux Mint, and Debian® are suitable. Ubuntu offers an intuitive user interface and extensive hardware support out of the box. The large community provides detailed documentation and help with problems.

Linux Mint is based on Ubuntu but focuses on ease of use. The interface resembles Windows®, which makes switching easier. Debian is considered stable and secure, but it requires a bit more technical understanding.

When choosing, you should consider your hardware requirements. Older computers benefit from lightweight distributions such as Xubuntu® or Lubuntu®. For modern hardware with sufficient RAM, Ubuntu® or Mint are suitable, as they offer more convenience features.

Check system requirements and ensure hardware compatibility

Before you begin the installation, you should check your system’s hardware compatibility. Most Linux® distributions require at least 2 GB of RAM and 25 GB of free disk space. For smooth operation, however, 4 GB of RAM or more is recommended.

Check the compatibility of graphics cards, Wi-Fi adapters, and special hardware such as printers. Tools such as “lshw” or “hwinfo” help identify your hardware. Many distributions offer live versions that allow you to test the system before installation.

Be sure to create a complete backup of your important data before you begin the installation. Even though modern installers work reliably, a backup protects you from unforeseen issues during partitioning.

Create a bootable USB stick and adjust BIOS settings

Download the ISO image of your chosen distribution and create a bootable USB stick. Tools such as Rufus (Windows®) or Etcher (cross-platform) are suitable for this. Make sure to use a USB stick with at least 4 GB of capacity.

Then restart your system and open the BIOS or UEFI. This is usually done by pressing F2, F12, or Del during boot. Set the USB stick as the primary boot device and, if necessary, disable Secure Boot if problems occur during startup.

On modern UEFI systems, you can often boot directly from the USB stick via the boot menu without permanently changing the BIOS settings. This is practical if you only want to test Linux first.

Perform the Linux installation: partitioning and basic configuration

The actual installation starts with partitioning your hard drive. Beginners should choose automatic partitioning, which creates a root partition and a swap area. For a dual-boot system with Windows®, select the option “Install alongside Windows”.

During installation, create a user account with a strong password. Avoid enabling the root account for everyday use, as this poses security risks. Most distributions use sudo for administrative tasks.

Choose your time zone, language, and keyboard layout carefully. While these settings can be changed later, correct configuration from the start will save you additional effort.

First steps after installation: updates and software installation

After the first start, you should install all available system updates immediately. To do so, open the terminal and run the appropriate update commands. On Ubuntu and Debian, use “sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade”.

Then install essential software such as a web browser, office applications, and multimedia codecs. Most distributions provide graphical software centers that simplify installation.

Check whether all hardware components are working properly. If necessary, install additional drivers for graphics cards or Wi-Fi adapters via your distribution’s driver manager.

How credativ® supports professional Linux adoption

While private users can often manage with community support, businesses need professional assistance with Linux migration. Since 1999, credativ has provided comprehensive consulting and 24/7 support for open-source software in enterprise use.

Our services include:

• Professional consulting on selecting the right Linux distribution
• Support with migrating existing IT infrastructures
• Training for IT teams and end users
• Long-term support with direct access to Linux specialists
• Premium support for Debian, PostgreSQL®, and other open-source projects

As an owner-managed company, we work without an intermediary call center and offer direct contact with our in-house specialists. Contact us for a non-binding consultation on your Linux® adoption.

Transparency notice

credativ is an authorized reseller for Red Hat®, Canonical Ubuntu, and a Competence Center for PostgreSQL. Other mentioned trademarks: Linux® (Linus Torvalds), Ubuntu® (Canonical Ltd.), Debian® (Software in the Public Interest), Windows® (Microsoft® Corporation).

The mention of trademarks serves solely to provide a factual description of migration scenarios and services of credativ® GmbH. There is no business relationship with the mentioned trademark owners without an existing partnership.

About the author

Peter Dreuw

Head of Sales & Marketing

about the person

Peter Dreuw has been working for credativ GmbH since 2016 and has been a team leader since 2017. He joined the management team as VP Services at Instaclustr in 2021. With the acquisition by NetApp, his new role became Senior Manager Open Source Professional Services. As part of the spin-off, he became a member of the management board as an authorized signatory. His responsibilities include sales and marketing management. He has been a Linux user since the early days and has been running Linux systems since kernel 0.97. Despite his extensive experience in operations, he is a passionate software developer and is also well versed in hardware-related systems.

View posts