Switching to a different operating system felt like a big step at first, especially after spending most of my life using Windows. In reality, it required no special expertise. If you can download files, install software, create a proper backup of your data, and boot your computer from a USB stick, you already have the necessary skills. Within a few weeks, I felt just as comfortable using Linux as I ever did with Windows.
This article provides a guide, that assumes basic familiarity with everyday computer tasks. No prior Linux experience is necessary.
💡 Not sure you can do this? Watch: Can a complete beginner survive Linux? (51 min.) Michael Tunnell reacts to Switch and Click’s first experience with Linux. Later, Betty from Switch and Click also tried Fedora Linux. Watch her experience here: I Tried Linux Fedora - And It’s Amazing (15 min.)
Before you begin
You will need:
- USB thumbdrive - This will be used to create your installation media. 8 GB is usually enough.
- An Intel or AMD based laptop or PC - Use a computer you can afford to be without for a while. An older machine is perfectly fine. This gives you room to experiment, try different Linux distributions, and get comfortable. Installing Linux alongside Windows is possible, but for new users it often adds unnecessary complexity.
- Internet connection
Apple and ARM computers:
- If you want to install Linux on an Intel-based Mac, expect some additional research to ensure full hardware support. If you are comfortable using the macOS Terminal, you will likely feel at home in the Linux terminal.
- If you have an ARM-based computer, such as one with a Snapdragon processor or Apple’s M-series chip, installation is more complex and hardware support is still evolving. Unless you are experienced and willing to troubleshoot, it is usually better to remain on the operating system officially supported for your device.
💡 I recommend trying several Linux distributions before settling on one. If you’d like some guidance, check out this article: Selecting a new operating system
Installation
1. Back Up Your Files
Create a full backup of your important files: documents, photos, passwords, and anything else you value. Even if you plan to install Linux alongside your current system, mistakes happen. A failed installation or partitioning error can erase data.
Do not use the USB stick intended for installation as your backup device. It will be completely erased during the process.
2. Create Installation Media
You will need to download and install a USB flashing tool. If you are new to this, Fedora Media Writer is simple and reliable. Balena Etcher offers more options but has a slightly more complex interface. Any image-writing tool you are familiar with will also work.
- Fedora Media Writer: https://fedoraproject.org/workstation/download/
- Balena Etcher: https://etcher.balena.io/
Next, download the ISO file of your chosen Linux distribution. Insert your USB stick, open the flashing tool, select the ISO file, choose the USB drive, and create the bootable installation media. If you are unsure at any step, follow the instructions on the USB flashing tool’s website—they are usually clear and beginner-friendly.
3. Install Your Linux Distribution
Insert the USB stick into the computer where you want to install Linux, then turn it on. By default, most computers boot from their internal drive and will ignore the USB stick. To boot from USB, you need to either change the boot order in your firmware settings, or select the USB stick as a one-time boot device.
To access these settings, press a specific key immediately after powering on — before the operating system starts loading. The exact key varies by manufacturer; common options are F2, F10, F12, Del, or Escape. Check your computer's manual or the manufacturer's website if you are unsure. The correct key is often briefly displayed on screen during startup.
On Intel-based Macs, hold the Option key immediately after powering on to select the USB stick as the boot device. If everything goes well, your system will boot into the Linux installer. Most distributions allow you to try the system before installing—this is recommended to confirm that Wi-Fi, sound, and display work correctly. Then follow the on-screen instructions of your chosen distribution to complete the installation.
Recommendations to make things just work
- Unless you have experience setting up a multi-boot system, I recommend completely erasing your computer and installing Linux as the sole operating system.
- Where available, select the option to include proprietary drivers, software, and media codecs. These improve hardware compatibility and multimedia support.
Proprietary software is sometimes called "non-free." In this context, the term refers to restrictions in the user license, not to a required payment.
Installation guides
Here are a few direct links to get you started:
Warning: AI tools like LeChat, Claude, ChatGPT, and Grok can be helpful, but will require supervision. Read my articles on troubleshooting and using AI as tech support.
Closing Thoughts
Installing Linux is far less dramatic than most people expect. Take your time and don’t rush decisions. With a beginner-friendly distribution, you’ll likely find the installation process simpler and significantly faster than installing Windows 11.
More importantly, treat this as exploration. Even if you later choose a different setup, the experience builds confidence and reduces your future dependency on a single vendor. That confidence—more than the operating system itself—is the true step toward digital independence.
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