Getting Started - Choose where to run your Linux and which Distribution to use

Motivation

If you really want to learn Linux you have to run it yourself and experiment with the commands presented here. So you need to get your Linux first. This is a bit of a chicken-and-egg type problem, since it would be good if you already know about Linux before you install it. Luckily most Linux distributions are easy to install with a menu that guides you through the installation process.

Still there are some topics that you should know about:

• Where could you run your Linux? and
• Which Linux Distribution to choose.

Where to run your Linux

If you do not have a Linux system yet, here are some options where you could install it:

Where to run your Linux

Use a live CD or USB Stick

Most distributions offer versions of their Linux that you can try out without installing it. So called live versions. You need to put the image on a CD, DVD or USB-thumb drive and configure your PC to allow booting from these and then you can use a full Linux System without installing it. Good live systems are:

• knoppix - the mother of all live systems - https://knopper.net/knoppix/index-en.html
• grml - a live system form sysadmins as a repair tool https://grml.org/
• ubuntu live - https://ubuntu.com/tutorials/try-ubuntu-before-you-install#1-getting-started

Old Laptop or Desktop PC

Maybe you have an old PC that you do not use any more and that is not strong enough for windows. If you only want it as a server and you do not need any GUI it can be a really old system.

Dual-booting your Desktop PC

You can install Linux and Choose which OS you run at boot time. This is a bit more complicated because you need to take care that you do not over-write your existing OS here. If you have windows you can make space for Linux with the built-in Windows Partitioning tools. E.g. see: https://www.linuxtechi.com/dual-boot-windows-10-debian-10/ in any case: You should backup your data before you try this!