Installing Linux on Your Computer

Hi there, you must be waiting for me to post this publish on how to install linux right on your computer. There are two ways to install linux on your desktop: first, is you can install it by dual boot, so right after you booting your coputer you'll see the list of OS in your computer (in this area, let's say you'll have Linux and Windows). Second, you can install linux by virtual machine software. A vrtual machine, is a software that can allow you to use Windows and Linux at the same time by taking one of them go virtual. There are many virtual machine software you can get from the internet, e.x.: VMware, VirtualBox, QUEMU, Bachs etc. We'll install our Linux OS using the second way by virtual machine software at this moment we'll use VirtualBox from Orcale, Inc. because it's FREE!!!hahahhahaa. Here's the link VirtualBox downloads, and you can choose what OS you're running now. I'm running in Windows 8.1 so, i'll choose the first one.

It'll take a few minutes. After that you just click "next" until you're finish. Easy right? Now, let's concentrate on the step.

STEP 1: Download VirtualBox (we've already done it, in case: VirtualBox downloads) and install it. Almost forgot, don't forget to download Linux from internet!Simply search on search engine GOOGLE and type what linux kernel you want to use. Example, you want to use Linux Mint, here's the URL LINUX MINT. Just some information, all Linux based OS is FREE, so you can download it right through internet.

STEP 2: Click on the "new" button on your VirtualBox and you'll see

 Name the OS in the name coulumn (It's up to you, e.x.: Linux-mint, Linux-1, LinuxGreat). In this case, i'll try to virtualize Linux Mint. So, select your OS type (Windows, Mac, Linux) and choose their version (Windows 8, Mac OS Leopard, Ubuntu). We'll choose Linux and our version is Ubuntu. Basically, Linux Mint is Ubuntu and Debian based, but you can also search Linux Ubuntu. It's quite popular too. Just you know, there are so many version of kernel in Ubuntu. There are fedora, debian and etc. And so many versions are make based on that kernel. So, don't confuse about that. Oh yeah, this is my experience, you must choose your Version between 32-bit or 64-bit based on your computer architecture. Too see that,if you're using Windows simply type dxdiag on run box (search 'run' program on your computer). By the way, to compatible with that, you also MUST DOWNLOAD your linux version based on your computer architecture. Basically, 64-bit computer can run 32-bit application, but 32-bit can not run 64-bit application. In some case (my case actually), I've downloaded 64-bit version of Linux Ubuntu, but the 64-bit version doesn't list on the VirtualBox. It's because your Virtualization chip on your computer is disable. Then, you must enable the virtualization chip. My chip is Intel so, on your laptop go to BIOS Settings (Windows 8: Change PC Settings --> Update and Recovery -->Recovery-->Advanced Settings-->UEFI Firmware Settings). After you can acces your BIOS, check for Intel Virtualization Technology and set it to enable. And enter your Desktop again and open VirtualBox, now you'll see the list of 64-bit version.

enable your Intel Virtualization Technology (if your chipset is Intel)

STEP 3: Choose how many memories (RAM) you'll give for your Linux. 1024 MB = 1GB 2048 MB= 2GB. Bigger you give, less lack on your virtual OS.

STEP 4: Now, we'll try to setting the hard disk. After you finish setting your amounts of RAM, you'll get to this step.

Select to create virtual hard drive for your new virtual OS.

Choose dynamically, so you can settings how much byte will you give for this virtual OS.

STEP 5: CHOOSE LINUX ISO FILE

ISO file is the on you've downloaded in the beginning of this section (downloaded from Linux-Mint website). Probably, you haven't finished downloading yet, because yes  it is fantastically BIG SIZE!!

Let's go to finish downloading step :p

ISO file is a file that store all your information about OS. In the past, if we want to install OS/program on our computer we must have "INSTALLATION DISC", it can be CD-ROM or DVD-ROM (familiar right?). But now, in this era we don't have to use that anymore, because all of that is store in file called .iso file. To start your OS using virtual box, simpy go to

SETTINGS-->STORAGE-->CLICK ON CD ROM IMAGE to PUT YOUR ISO FILE

after that, you'll see your Data storage on your computer and choose the file you've finished downloaded from LINUX website (is the file with .iso e,x, linuxmint-15-cinnamon-dvd-32bit.iso) and click OK.

Now, you've finished with the hardware settings. Click on START button to LAUNCH your system.

STEP 6: INSTALL LINUX AND MAKE ACCOUNT FOR ADMIN

Because you're running on Virtualize mode, simply click "NEXT" until you are ask for make an account. In one step, you'll ask to erase disk and install Linux, don't worry about that just keep clicking "NEXT" remember you're running on a virtual mode so your data is not recognize on their virtualize system. 

This is some of the advantages using Virtual Software to run Linux. Linux is very difficult OS to install, especially if you want to dual boot with windows 8. My experience is, all my drive on my PC was erased by Linux. My data and also my Windows 8.1, then i must re-install it again T.T. But don't worry if you're running on virtual, this case is never going to happen.

After you finish entering your account and you are also finish installing your LINUX!!!!CONGRATULATIONS :D:D:D Probably, this is your desktop on Linux-Mint!!

Okay, we'll end this tutorial about "HOW TO INSTALL LINUX using VirtualBOX".Hope you make it, and just wait for my next publish about anything in computer world. Enjoy :D