We support Linux Mint:
Before we begin... You should know:
Linux Mint is awesome. It's free and open source software. An operating system that just gets out of your way and lets you work.
- No Pop-ups
- No Advertising ID
- No "Windows Recall" (Microsoft is recording your screen with AI)
- No forced Cloud integration (OneDrive, iCloud, Google Drive)
Most stuff "Just Works":
- Printers just auto-connect (as long as they are on the same network).
- There's no "drivers" to install (everything is built into the Linux kernel).
- Software is all managed from a simple app-store.
Everything "Just Works".... unless it doesn't:
Get Minty 1:
Installing the OS on your PC.
Download Mint:
https://linuxmint.com (pick Cinnamon Desktop... the first option).
Create the Bootable USB Drive:
https://linuxmint-installation-guide.readthedocs.io/en/latest/burn.html
Get into BIOS:
If you have a working Windows PC you can hold down the Shift key while rebooting to bring up the recovery mode.
Otherwise you will need to press the (it depends on your manufacture): F2 or F7 or F12 or DEL key at boot.
Turn off Secure Boot:
You can leave this enabled. But in truth, it adds little to no benefit to Linux Mint.
Secure Boot checks software that is run at BOOT. If it detects that there is a software trying to start at boot and that software isn't "Signed". The Boot will fail.
This isn't necessary in Linux Mint because of how software is handled in Mint.
In Windows and Mac, you install software from random websites. (like that email from your Nigerian Prince friend).
In Linux, all your software is installed from the App Store. Which is a trusted repo that tests software before it's allowed in the store.
You should not install random software downloaded from random websites into your Linux Mint PC.
If you run NVIDIA, Secure Boot might cause problems (because NVIDIA graphics drivers must run at boot... and sometimes they just fail).
Change the Boot Order:
On most PCs you can just press the F7 at startup. And that will bring up a list of bootable disks. But for simplicity, you're already in the BIOS, so just permanently change the boot order now. (be sure to change this back after you have setup your Minty Fresh PC).
Boot it, and double click the "Install":
It's really just easy-peasy after you boot. Just chill for a bit and you'll have a nice new PC.
The SUPER IMPORTANT STEP at min 4:50:
Do NOT select "log in automatically".
You can change this setting after you install Mint.
The reason why... If you choose this option at install. You'll have to manually setup your "Keyring" password and password manager.
Get Minty 2:
Setting it up so you don't have to think about it for a few years.
System Snapshots:
This feature will create "Snapshots" of your PC. So that anytime an update happens, a snapshot of the system gets taken. If an update causes a problem with your system, you can now just "roll back" to the previous version. (unlike Windows "Uninstall Updates" this feature actually works.)
Install Proprietary Drivers (if needed):
This will check to see if you need any non-opensource drivers. (NVIDIA)
Do your first update and reboot:
After reboot we will setup Auto-Updates.
Go back to the Update Manager:
Click on Edit > Preferences.
Go to Automation and turn everything on (now you're good for a few years).
Explore your Software Manager:
Everything in Linux should be installed via the Software Manager (app store). Only ever install software that isn't in the Software Manager if you really trust the source (Like TxTechnician or Synology).
It's all free. Some of it has subscription options that enable other features (Like Bitwarden or Obsidian). We call those "Feemium" apps.
Firewall:
Enable it.
Get Minty | Install Linux Mint - a 'set & forget' tutorial