Linux Mint offers several installation methods, catering to users with varying levels of technical expertise and system configurations. This article details the process of installing Linux Mint, covering preparation, installation options, and post-installation considerations, based on available documentation. The instructions provided are applicable to various Mint versions and desktop environments, including Cinnamon, Xfce, and MATE, though screenshots may differ slightly.
Installation Methods
Users can install Linux Mint using several approaches: installation within a virtual machine like VirtualBox running on Windows, dual booting alongside Windows, or replacing existing operating systems with Linux Mint as the sole OS. The following instructions focus on replacing an existing operating system with Linux Mint, effectively dedicating the entire system to the new operating system.
Prerequisites
Before beginning the installation, certain prerequisites must be met. These include a USB drive with a minimum capacity of 4 GB (a DVD can also be used), and an active internet connection for downloading the Linux Mint ISO file and the live-USB-making tool. While an internet connection is not required for the installation itself, it is necessary for the initial download process. It is strongly recommended to back up any important data from the system before proceeding, as the installation process will format the hard drive.
Minimum System Requirements
To ensure optimal performance, the system should meet the minimum system requirements for Linux Mint 21 Cinnamon edition. These requirements include at least 1 GB of RAM (2 GB recommended), a minimum of 15 GB of disk space (20 GB recommended), and a screen resolution of 1024x768. Users with lower resolutions may encounter display issues, potentially resolved by pressing ALT to drag windows.
Booting from the Installation Media
Once the installation media (USB drive or DVD) is prepared, the computer must be booted from it. The system will then enter a live session, automatically logging in as the user "mint" without requiring a password. This live session provides a fully functional Linux Mint environment, albeit slower than a permanently installed version due to running from the USB drive or DVD. Changes made within the live session are not saved and do not affect the final installation. Some applications, such as Timeshift, Flatpak, the Update Manager, and the Welcome Screen, may function differently or not at all within the live session.
Launching the Installer
To begin the permanent installation process, double-click the "Install Linux Mint" disc icon on the desktop within the live session. The installer will then guide the user through a series of steps.
Language and Keyboard Layout Selection
The first step involves selecting the desired language for the system. After selecting a language and clicking "Continue," the user must choose the appropriate keyboard layout. If unsure, the installer provides an option to "Detect Keyboard Layout," which attempts to automatically identify the correct layout based on user input.
Multimedia Codecs
If an internet connection is available, the installer prompts the user to install multimedia codecs. Selecting this option ensures that the system can play a wide range of audio and video formats.
Installation Type
The next crucial step is selecting the installation type. Three options are presented:
- Erase disk and install Linux Mint: This option completely formats the hard drive and installs Linux Mint as the only operating system. This is the simplest option for users who do not need to preserve existing data or operating systems.
- Something else: This option provides manual control over disk partitioning, allowing users to create, delete, or resize partitions as needed. This is recommended for advanced users who require specific partition configurations.
- Install alongside other operating systems: If another operating system is detected, this option allows installing Linux Mint alongside it, automatically resizing partitions to accommodate both systems. A boot menu will be created to allow the user to choose which operating system to boot at startup.
Disk Partitioning (Something Else Option)
If the "Something else" option is selected, manual partitioning is required. Linux Mint requires at least one partition mounted on the root ("/") directory. It is recommended to allocate at least 15 GB (though 100 GB or more is preferable) to this partition, using the ext4 filesystem. Additionally, a swap partition should be created, with a size equal to or slightly larger than the amount of RAM installed in the system. This swap partition is used for hibernation and as a safety buffer when RAM is exhausted.
User Account Creation
After selecting the installation type, the installer prompts the user to enter their user details, including username, computer name, and password. It is important to choose a secure and memorable password, as it will be required for all system access.
Time Zone Selection
The installer then asks the user to select their time zone. This ensures that the system clock is accurately synchronized.
Installation Process
Once all the necessary information has been provided, the installation process begins. This typically takes between 5 and 10 minutes, depending on the system's hardware and the amount of data being installed.
Post-Installation Steps
After the installation is complete, the installer prompts the user to restart the system. Before restarting, it is important to remove the installation media (USB drive or DVD) and press Enter. Upon rebooting, the system will boot into Linux Mint. The user will be prompted to enter the password created during the installation process to log in.
Package Management
Linux Mint utilizes apt (Advanced Package Tool) for managing software packages. Common apt commands include:
sudo apt update: Updates the package list.sudo apt upgrade: Upgrades installed packages.sudo apt install <package_name>: Installs a new package.sudo apt remove <package_name>: Removes a package.
Additionally, Linux Mint provides a Software Center for a graphical interface to manage software.
Encryption Considerations
The installer offers an option to encrypt the new Linux Mint installation for security. This refers to full disk encryption. However, the documentation notes potential issues with this option, particularly with certain NVIDIA drivers. It recommends using home directory encryption instead, which can be selected during the installation process. It is also noted that if full disk encryption is chosen, the keyboard layout may be set to en_US at that stage, which should be considered when entering a password.
Conclusion
Installing Linux Mint involves several straightforward steps, from preparing the installation media to configuring the system after installation. Users can choose from various installation methods to suit their needs, and the installer provides clear guidance throughout the process. By following these instructions, users can successfully install and enjoy the benefits of Linux Mint.