Linux Mint
Installing Linux Mint
Installing Linux Mint 15
Linux Mint is a very popular Operating system based on Ubuntu. Currently Linux Mint is the fourth most popular desktop operating system in use in the world. Linux Mint comes with all the latest codecs needed for running most applications straight out of the box. Full media support for MP3, Flash support and Java are all installed by default. The latest version of Mint is now 15 (code name Olivia) and comes with full media software for playing DVDs (VLC), photo editing suite (GIMP) and the full office suite Libre Office (Version 4).
To download your copy of Linux Mint 15, simply click the link below:
Download Linux Mint 15
Once you have your downloaded your "iso" image in either a 32bit or 64bit form, and chosen which desktop you would prefer, you will need to burn this image file to a DVD. If you haven't already software for burning a DVD image on your PC, then search for "dvd iso burning software" in the search box located above. Your PC may already have DVD burning software installed such as "Brasero, K3B, Nero, CDBurnerXP or Roxio". Once you have successfully burned your chosen "iso" image of Linux Mint 15 to your DVD, you will need to leave the DVD in the DVD drive and reboot your system. As your computer reboots, you will need to press the appropriate key to access your system's BIOS settings. On many systems this key could be "F8", "F11", "F12" or another key. Most systems will display the a message indicating which key needs to be pressed. Once you have access to your BIOS settings, you will need to modify the boot order of your system to boot from CD/DVD first. Once this change has been made and saved, you can reboot your system and follow the instructions below.
Live Boot DVD
When Mint first loads, it will take you directly to what is known as a Live Desktop. Mint has actually loaded as a "try it first" system. Once loaded, you can test the operating system without installing any of the software. If you are happy for the installation to install to your hard disk, then simply follow the instructions below:
Start the Linux Mint Installer Process
To start the Mint install process, select the "Start Linux Mint" option from the pull down menu.
Linux Mint Loading Screen
Mint's default loading screen is initially displayed.
Linux Mint Login Screen
Linux Mint initially displays its login screen. You do not have to enter any details here as you will be automatically logged in.
Mint 15 Live Desktop
Before installation you can try Linux Mint out in a test live environment. To install Mint, simply click on the install icon in the upper left hand corner.
Select Installation Language
Select the language you require for your installation. Then click "continue".
Preparing to install Linux Mint
For best results, ensure that your computer has at least 6.1GB of available space and an active internet connection.
Select Installation type
Here you can choose the default option of "Erase disk and install Linux Mint". Alternatively, you can choose the "something else" option which allows you to manually configure your disk partitions. You may also specify to use LVM (Logical Volume Management). If you are installing to a portable device, I would recommend also choosing the encryption option.
Install Mint
Select "Install Now" from the lower right hand corner. Your installation will now continue.
Select your Location
Select your current location. This setting will also be used for setting your systems time zone.
Select Keyboard Layout
Select your keyboard layout. In the example "English (UK)" has been chosen. You can confirm your keyboard settings are correct by typing in the test box area.
Who are you?
Here you must supply a name to be used for your userid, a name to identify your computer (hostname) and also a password. I would also recommend selecting the "Require my password to login" option.
Copying Files
Your installation files are now being copied. While these files are being copied a slide show is displayed showing some of the new features that Mint 15 contains.
Installation Complete
Congratulations your installation is now complete. To start using your new system you must now restart your system. Remember to remove your installation disk before rebooting!
Login Screen
To login to your new Mint 15 installation, you will need to use the user name and password that you created earlier.
Welcome to Linux Mint 15 (Olivia)
You should now see your desktop with a message offering places for support and documentation.
