The main difference is that the 32-bit OSes take some tweaking to support more than 3GB of RAM. Most new AMD and Intel CPUs for desktop and laptops are 64-bit, though they’ll also work with the 32-bit images.

If you have a more recent machine, you should choose a 64-bit CD image.

Next, you need a couple of things: the ISO image you’re going to use for the install, and a blank disc. You can upgrade sooner, of course - a new release of Mint comes out roughly every six months, but the Linux Mint 9 release will be receiving updates through 2013 on the desktop. The default selection of software is good for most users, and the most recent release (Linux Mint 9) will be supported for three years on the desktop. It’s also very easy to install, and easy to use.

Linux Mint is based on Ubuntu, but includes a few enhancements and components like Adobe Flash that you will probably want down the line. I’m going to suggest that you start with one that isn’t on Brian’s list, Linux Mint. You might want to read Brian Proffitt’s piece on the seven best Linux distributions to get a good overview. What’s an ISO image? This is slang for a type of file that contains a DVD or CD “image,” that can be burned directly to blank CD or DVD media. If you have an older Mac with a PowerPC processor, or another type of machine, it’s probably possible to install Linux - but it will take a bit more work and you’ll have to be choosy about the distribution you choose.įirst, you need to decide which Linux distribution am I going to run first? and get the ISO image for that distribution. For the purpose of this guide, I’m only going to cover standard x86/x86-64 hardware. Linux will run on almost any standard laptop or personal computer, and on quite a few less standard machines as well. Here’s how to prep for an install and get on with the journey. It doesn’t have to be - most Linux distributions are easy to install, if you know what to expect. The first step in using Linux is to install it, and for many folks that step is the most intimidating. The first step of any journey is the hardest part.

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