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: from choosing the right distribution and partitioning to the first configuration after booting.

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, not for licenses. In addition, Linux® runs reliably even on older hardware, extending the service life of 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 professional relevance: Linux® is one of the core pillars of the internet and dominates server infrastructures in data centers worldwide. For IT roles, Linux® skills are indispensable today. You can take your first steps easily and free of charge on your home PC—either as a dual-boot system alongside Windows® or in a virtual machine, without replacing your existing system.

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 right after installation. The large community provides detailed documentation and quick help when problems arise.

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

When choosing, you should consider your hardware requirements:

• Older hardware (less than 2 GB RAM): Xubuntu® or Lubuntu® — resource-efficient distributions with lightweight desktop environments
• Modern hardware (4 GB RAM or more): Ubuntu® or Linux Mint — more convenience features and a broader software selection
• Server use or maximum stability: Debian® — conservative package policy, long support cycle

Check system requirements and ensure hardware compatibility

Before you begin the Linux® 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, 4 GB of RAM or more is recommended.

Check compatibility for graphics cards, Wi-Fi adapters, and specialized hardware such as printers. The command-line tools lshw and hwinfo help identify installed components. Many distributions offer live versions that let you test the system directly from a USB stick without installing it.

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 from the official website and create a bootable USB stick. Suitable tools include Rufus (for Windows®) or Balena Etcher (cross-platform for Windows®, macOS, and Linux®). Use a USB stick with at least 4 GB 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 begins with partitioning the hard drive. Beginners should choose automatic partitioning, which creates a root partition and a swap area. For a dual-boot system alongside Windows®, select the option “Install alongside Windows®”.

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

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 boot, you should immediately install all available system updates. On Ubuntu® and Debian®, open the terminal and run the following command:

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—using a terminal is not strictly required.

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. On Ubuntu®, you can find this under “Settings → Additional Drivers”.

How does credativ® support businesses with professional Linux adoption?

While private users can often get by with community support, businesses need professional guidance for Linux® migration. credativ® has been providing comprehensive consulting and 24/7 support for open-source software in enterprise use since 1999—with direct access to in-house specialists, without an intermediary call center.

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

Linux® is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds. Ubuntu® and Canonical® are trademarks of Canonical Ltd. Debian® is a trademark of Software in the Public Interest, Inc. Windows® is a trademark of the Microsoft® Corporation. Red Hat® is a trademark of Red Hat, Inc. PostgreSQL® is a trademark of the PostgreSQL Community Association of Canada.

credativ® is an authorized reseller for Red Hat® and Canonical Ubuntu®, as well as a Competence Center for PostgreSQL®. Any mention of other trademarks is solely for the factual description of migration scenarios and services provided by credativ®. There is no business relationship with the named trademark owners unless a partnership exists.

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 lead since 2017. Since 2021, he has been part of Instaclustr’s management team as VP Services. Following 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 executive management as an authorized signatory. His responsibilities include leading sales and marketing. He has been a Linux user from the very beginning and has been running Linux systems since kernel 0.97. Despite extensive experience in operations, he is a passionate software developer and is also well versed in hardware-near systems.

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