Linux Mint 20

How to install Linux Mint 20.1

Linux Mint is a very popular Linux distribution that is based based on the popular Ubuntu Linux distribution. Linux Mint 20.1 is a Long Term Support (LTS) edition that will be supported until 2025. Many refinements have been made to this edition of Linux Mint. Cinnamon 4.8 is the new desktop version that contains many new features that allow you to customise your desktop quickly and easily. By default you get the Firefox Web Browser, Thunderbird email client, GIMP image editing software, Libre Office (Full Office Suite) version 6.4.6.2, Rhythmbox Music Manager,VLC Media player. In the installation guide below, we will look at installing the 64 bit version of Linux Mint 20.1 Cinnamon desktop edition.

To download your copy of Linux Mint 20.1, click on the following link: Download Linux Mint

Installing Linux Mint 20.1

Once you have your downloaded your "iso" image of Linux Mint 20.1, you will need to burn this image file to a DVD. If you do not have the necessary software that can burn a DVD, then you can search for "dvd iso burning software" in the search box located above. Your Computer will probably already have DVD burning software installed such as "Brasero, K3B, Nero, CDBurnerXP or Roxio". (If you are using virtualization software for your installation, then simply place the selected iso image in the relevant directory). Once you have successfully burned your chosen "iso" image of Linux Mint 20.1, you will need to place this into the target drive of the system you are going to install Linux Mint 20.1 on. You will then need to reboot your computer. As your computer boots, you may need to press the appropriate key to access your system's BIOS settings. On many computers this key could be "F8", "F11", "F12" or another key. Most systems will display a message indicating which key needs to be pressed to access the BIOS. 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 if this is not already set. Once this change has been made and saved, you can reboot your system and follow the instructions below.

Linux Mint Requirements

1GB RAM (2GB recommended for a comfortable usage).
15GB of disk space (20GB recommended)
1024×768 resolution (on lower resolutions, press ALT to drag windows with the mouse if they don’t fit in the screen).

Note:
The 64-bit ISO can boot with BIOS or UEFI.
The 32-bit ISO can only boot with BIOS.
The 64-bit ISO is recommend for all modern computers (Almost all computers sold in the last 10 years are equipped with 64-bit processors).

Live Boot - Try Linux Mint 20.1

Linux Mint 20.1 will quickly boot to what is known as a "Live Desktop Environment". Here you can try out Linux Mint 20.1 before committing to a full installation to your hard drive. Linux Mint 20.1 will load as a "try before you install "system. Once loaded, you can test the Operating System without installing any software. If you are happy for Linux Mint 20.1 to be installed to your hard disk, then simply follow the installation guide below:

Linux Mint 20.1 Live Desktop

At this screen you can try out the latest version of Linux Mint. You can try out the software and ensure that everything works with your hardware. Once you are happy to go ahead and install Linux Mint to your Hard Drive, you will need to click the "Install Linux Mint" icon.

Welcome - Choose Installation Language

At this screen, select the language that you would like to use during your installation of Linux Mint. This language will be used throughout your installation. Once you have made your choice, select "Continue". In this example, I have chosen the language "English".

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 "Continue".

Multimedia Codecs

Multimedia Codecs are required to play many Video formats and to properly render some web sites. It is recommended to select this option to install.

Select Installation Type

At this screen several installation options are available to choose from. In the example below, I am installing to an empty disk with no other operating systems or data present. If you have another operating system present, Linux Mint should find this and give you additional options regarding installing this new system along side the existing system. In this particular example I have chosen the option of "Erase disk and install Linux Mint".

Write the changes to disk

Before you can continue with your installation, you will have to confirm you are happy with the changes that are going to be made to your disk(s). Click "Continue" or use the option "Go Back" to make any amendments to your previous selections.

Where are you?

From this screen you must choose your geographical location. If you have an active "Internet" connection, your location should be found automatically for you. This location setting will also be used for your system's time zone settings. If your location was not automatically found, or you wish to change the currently displayed location, simply type your new location into the search box provided.

Who are you?

The following screen requires you to create a user on your system and provide a name (hostname) to identify your computer on your network. You will be asked to provide a user name and password. It is advisable to Select the option "require my password to login" as extra security (this is the default option). If you are using a portable device such as a Laptop or Notebook, then it is recommended to select the option to encrypt your home folder. Once you have made your choices, click on "Continue".

Welcome to Linux Mint

This next phase is the actual installation of your new Operating System. As the software is installed, progress is indicated along the bottom of the screen. A slide show presentation can be viewed by clicking on the ">" arrows located to the side of the screen. Here you can get a quick overview of some of the new features and software that are included within this release of Linux Mint. No further action is required at this stage of the installation process.

Installation Complete

Congratulations, your Linux Mint 20 installation is now complete. You will now need to restart your computer to use your new installation. Please remove any installation media from your drives. Click "Restart Now" to start using your new system.

Linux Mint 20 Login Screen

Once your system has started, you should see a login screen similar to the one shown below. At this screen you must click on the user you created and enter the password you created in the previous steps.

Welcome Screen Linux Mint 20.1 (Ulyssa)

You should now see your desktop. You will be greeted with a screen displaying various links to useful information. Several sections are available, these will take you through various configuration steps and also provide documentation for using your Linux Mint system.

Linux Mint Cinnamon Desktop

To access your applications, click the "Linux Mint" icon in the lower left corner of your desktop.