Install Elementary OS 6

What is Elementary OS 6

Elementary OS 6 is a Linux Operating system that is based on the popular Linux distribution Ubuntu. Elementary shares the same software repositories as Ubuntu. Software/packages are installed from the Ubuntu Software Centre. What makes Elementary OS 6 stand out from other Ubuntu based systems is its customised look and feel. Elementary OS uses the "Pantheon Desktop" environment. Elementary now has a new look Dark style which can be activated from the Welcome Screen or the system settings at anytime.

Custom core applications have been written to handle Music, Videos, Mail and Photos. Elementary uses "Epiphany" as a fast light weight web browser. Software such as Libre Office, Brasero and other popular packages can be installed quickly and easily from the Software Centre. Elementary now also supports Flatpak with its updated AppCenter.

Installing Elementary 6

Elementary OS can be downloaded from the official site: Download Elementary OS

Initially you are asked to pay what you want for the download. This value can be anything from nothing to whatever you would like to give. You may click on the "Custom" option and choose any amount you wish to give. Once you have downloaded the relevant "iso" image that matches your systems architecture, you will need to burn this image to a DVD. For software that can do this, search for "dvd iso burning software" in the search box above. Your computer may already have CD/DVD burning software such as "Brasero, K3B, Nero, CDBurnerXP or Roxio". If you are installing into a virtualised environment, simply copy the "iso" file to the relevant directory. Once you have burned your chosen "iso" image of Elementary 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 select the appropriate key to access your system's BIOS settings. On many systems this key will be "F8", "F11" or "F12". 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 you have made this change, you can reboot your system and follow the Instructions below.

Language Screen

Elementary will load quickly to a screen asking you to select your language. Here you must choose the language to use for your system. In the example, I have chosen "English". You will then be asked to choose a region. For my installation I have chosen the "United Kingdom". You will need to choose whichever Language/region matches your requirements.

Keyboard Layout

At this screen you can select your keyboard settings and layout. In the example below I have chosen the keyboard layout "English (UK)". You can also try your keyboard settings by typing into the text box area provided. Once you have made your selection, click "Select".

Try or Install

The following screen gives you the option to try Elementary OS or install Elementary OS to your hard drive. In the example, I have gone with the option to install Elementary OS. An advanced option is available that can be selected if you wish to manually size your partitions on your hard drive.

Select Drive

At this screen you must confirm the hard drive you are going to install Elementary OS to. You will need to click to the left of the icon to select your drive. Once you have confirmed your selection, you must then click on the option "Erase and Install".

Enable Drive Encryption

At this screen you have the option to encrypt your hard drive. This can be useful if you are using a mobile device. In this example, I have gone with the default option of "Don't Encrypt".

Installation and Partitioning

At the next stage of the installation process, no further input is required as your disk(s) are being partitioned and the new OS is being copied to your drive. Progress is indicated by the screen.

Continue Setting Up

Elementary OS 6 (Odin) has now been installed, however, your system needs to be restarted before the installation is completed. After the reboot, you will need to configure your user account before logging in. You will be again asked to confirm your language settings. Simply follow the prompts as in the previous steps.

Select a Language

Select your Language at this screen. In this example, I have chosen "English".

Select Keyboard

Select Keyboard settings. In this example, I have chosen "English (UK)".

Create an Account

At this screen you can create an account for yourself. Once you have entered your name and password information, click on the option "Finish Setup".

Elementary Login Screen

To access your new Elementary system, enter the account and password information you created in the previous steps.

Elementary Desktop

When you first login, you will be given several options to choose from. These include giving permission to Location Services, setting the new Dark Mode, Activating a Screen Night Light filter and Automatic Housekeeping of old temp files. Select any of the settings that you want or select "Skip All".