Installing Linux alongside Windows
By Tom Nonmacher
Have you ever considered the possibility of running two different operating systems on your computer? If your computer is currently running on Windows, you might want to consider installing Linux alongside it. This process, known as 'dual booting', offers the benefits of both operating systems without the need to buy a new computer. Linux is a powerful, open-source operating system that provides a high level of control and customization. On the other hand, Windows offers excellent compatibility with a wide range of software. In this blog post, we're going to walk you through the process of setting up a dual boot system with Linux and Windows.
Before you start, it's essential to back up all your important data. This process involves partitioning your hard drive, which could potentially lead to data loss if not handled correctly. Once you have backed up your data, you need to create a bootable Linux USB drive. There are many Linux distributions to choose from, such as Ubuntu, Fedora, or Mint. You can download the ISO file of your preferred Linux distribution from its official website. Once downloaded, use a tool like Rufus or UNetbootin to create your bootable USB drive.
Now, you need to partition your hard drive to make space for Linux. To do this, open the Disk Management tool in Windows by right-clicking on the Start button and selecting 'Disk Management'. Locate your C: drive (or the drive where Windows is installed) and shrink it to make space for Linux. The size of the new partition depends on how much space you want to allocate to Linux, but it should be at least 20GB.
After partitioning your hard drive, restart your computer and boot from the USB drive. You can usually do this by pressing a specific key (like F12, F10, or Esc) immediately after your computer starts up. This will bring up the boot menu where you can select your USB drive. Once booted from the USB drive, you'll be greeted by the Linux installer. Follow the prompts, and when you get to the 'Installation type' screen, choose 'Something else' or 'Manual partitioning'.
You will see a list of partitions on your hard drive. Select the free space you created earlier and click on 'Create'. Create a root partition with the mount point as '/' (without quotes) and use most of the free space. You can leave a few GBs for a swap area, which acts like extra RAM for your system. Once you have created the partitions, proceed with the installation. After the installation completes, restart your computer. You should now see a menu that allows you to choose between Windows and Linux at startup.
In conclusion, installing Linux alongside Windows allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds. It might seem a bit complex, especially if you're new to the world of Linux, but with this step-by-step guide, you should find the process manageable. Remember, the key to a successful installation is preparation. Make sure you back up your data, understand each step before you proceed, and don't rush. Happy dual booting!