Installing Linux alongside Windows
By Tom Nonmacher
Many computer users are curious about Linux, a popular alternative operating system to Windows, but are hesitant to make a full switch due to familiarity with Windows and the potential compatibility issues with their software. Fortunately, it's not an all-or-nothing decision. You can install Linux alongside Windows, creating a dual-boot system that lets you choose which operating system to use each time you start your computer. This blog post will guide you through the process.
Before you begin, it's important to back up any important data. While the process of installing Linux alongside Windows is generally safe, there's always a small risk of data loss when partitioning your hard drive. It's also a good idea to ensure you have at least 20GB of free space on your hard drive for the Linux installation. If you don't have enough space, you may need to delete some files or move them to an external storage device.
Once you're ready to start, you'll need to download a Linux distribution (also known as a "distro"). There are many different distros to choose from, but for beginners, Ubuntu is a popular choice because of its user-friendly interface and large support community. You can download Ubuntu for free from its official website. After downloading the ISO file, you will need to create a bootable USB drive. Tools such as Rufus can help you with this task.
Next, you'll have to partition your hard drive to create space for Linux. The easiest way to do this is through the Windows Disk Management tool. Right-click on the volume you want to shrink (usually the C: drive), select "Shrink Volume," and enter the amount of space you want to allocate to Linux. Remember, this space will be taken away from Windows, so be sure not to allocate too much if you're still planning on using Windows regularly.
With the bootable USB drive ready and a partition created for Linux, it's time to install Linux. Restart your computer and boot from the USB drive. This is usually done by pressing a specific key (like F12 or F2) during startup, but the exact key depends on your computer's manufacturer. Once you boot from the USB, you should see the Linux installer. Follow the prompts, and when asked where to install Linux, choose the "Something else" option and select the partition you created.
After the installation is complete, you'll have a dual-boot system. Every time you start your computer, you'll be able to choose between Windows and Linux. This setup allows you to experiment with Linux without giving up the familiarity and compatibility of Windows. As you become more comfortable with Linux, you may find yourself using it more and more. Enjoy the journey!