Guide How to Install Linux Mint for Beginners (Complete+Pictures)

In this article, I will explain the steps or tutorials on how to install Linux Mint. Linux mint is a Linux distribution operating system (OS) based on Debian and Ubuntu. Linux Mint itself has a different appearance from Ubuntu, where the desktop display is more user friendly for Windows users who want to immediately migrate to Linux Mint. And the most desirable thing is the use of the software on Linux Mint itself for free.

Linux Mint has 4 desktop options namely Cinnamon, MATE, XFCE, KDE and Debian (the only one that is not based on Ubuntu) which each has its advantages and disadvantages. In this tutorial, I use Linux Mint desktop Cinnamon 18.3 “Sylvia” (latest version) because the desktop display is better, neat and attractive compared to other types. For other versions, don’t worry because the steps are not much different.

The interface of Linux Mint is more modern and certainly will be familiar to Windows operating system users who want to try. Because the appearance of this operating system is very similar to Windows. So Windows users don’t worry about using this operating system because Windows users certainly won’t find it difficult to adapt. Then, Linux Mint Cinnamon also has very innovative features on desktop productivity with very fast development technology.

How to install Linux Mint Cinnamon can be single-boot or dual-boot that can coexist with other operating systems. It’s a good idea to first backup your data to minimize data loss if an error occurs when selecting the memory partition option or during the installation process. Before installing Linux Mint Cinnamon 18.3 it’s good if you pay attention to the things below:

• Laptop has a minimum of 1 GB of RAM with a minimum of 11 GB of storage space
• Provide an empty flash drive with a minimum storage capacity of 2GB as a bootable media.
• If you install on a laptop, make sure your laptop battery does not run out while the installation process is in progress. We recommend that while charging your laptop to minimize unwanted things.
• Download the Rufus software to create a bootable USB flash drive.
• Download the Linux Mint Desktop Cinnamon 18.3 ISO file “Sylvia”
• Make a bootable USB flash drive using Rufus that was downloaded earlier by entering the Linux Mint Desktop Cinnamon 18.3 operating ISO file. You can read tutorials on bootable flash drives here.

How to Set BIOS to Boot from Flashdisk

In the process of installing the Linux Mint operating system, I use a flash drive as a bootable media. So, first set the BIOS on your computer.

1. Insert the flash drive into your laptop. Restart your laptop then press on the keyboard F2 or Del (depending on the settings of each laptop to enter the BIOS).

2. Next select the tab Boot.

3. Then on boot priority order, select your flash drive (usually the flash brand detected) > Then Save and Exit by pressing the keyboard key F10.

Guide How to Install Linux Mint

1. After setting the BIOS, the Linux Mint operating system installation process begins. Wait until loading is complete.

2. select a language which will be used during the installation process, I choose English > Select Continue.

3. At this stage, you will be offered to install the software during the installation process or after it is finished. The process of installing the software requires a good internet connection. I suggest not to install the software if your internet connection is not stable. This is so that when the Linux Mint installation process does not experience errors. Straight to click Continue without checking.

4. In the installation type section, select Something else > click Continue. This something else section is useful for those of you who want to create your own partition to minimize one more operating system (if dual booting).

5. Next go to the partition section. Click New partition table to create the desired partition.

6. Then click Continue.

7. This partition will be divided into two parts: first Swap Area which is used as a backup memory, and the second Root as a data storage area during the installation process and a storage area after the installation process is complete. Then click the plus icon indicated by the red arrow in the image below to add a partition.

8. Fill Size as per your wish. My swap size is only 1 GB, so to determine this swap size it doesn’t need to be too big. Then select the option Primary > select Beginning of this space > Select swap area on Use as > then click OK.

9. Your swap partition has been created successfully. Then create a new partition again for Root. click the plus icon as previously.

10. Contents Size (I do not change the size that has been determined by the computer automatically) > Select Logical > Select Beginning of this space > Then select Ext4 journaling file system > Select / on Mount point > Select OK.

11. Root partition has been created successfully. Next click Install Now.

12. Click Continue to continue the installation process.

13. Choose regional time zone you > Continue.

14. Choose language > Click Continue.

15. Then fill in the form provided. Contents name You, computer name, username, and password > Click Continue.

16. Wait until the installation process is complete.

17. After the installation process is complete, restart your computer by clicking Restart Now.

18. Wait until the restart process of your computer is complete. If dual boot, select Linux Mint in the dual boot option. After logging into the Linux Mint operating system, enter password that you created earlier and then press Enter.

19. The Linux Mint operating system installation process has been succeed done.

That’s a tutorial on how to install Linux Mint Desktop Cinnamon 18.3 “Sylvia” on a laptop. You can choose the Linux Mint desktop type according to your needs as well as the specifications of your laptop. Hopefully the installation process that you did was successful and I hope this article was useful for you.

Introverted woman. Has a personality that enjoys ‘me time’ more, the beach, and the mountains.

Share :