Do these 4 things to begin using Linux on your computer in record time!

Larry Bushey Larry Bushey

Have you been looking to install a Linux distribution on your computer but have been worried about the amount of time it will take to get a fully functional system? These 4 steps will get you started fast with a computer that's ready to use within minutes.

1. Download and install your chosen distribution of Linux

Computer running Linux Mint Cinnamon and showing the Welcome app

Choose one of the Linux distributions that we recommend for users new to Linux. Ubuntu MATE and Linux Mint are the two we recommend most. Forget about what you've read about having to fiddle with support for wifi, bluetooth, printers, YouTube, and Netflix.

Computer running Ubuntu MATE and showing the Welcome app

Both choices come with everything you need. In most cases either Linus Mint or Ubuntu MATE are the best Linux distributions with the fewest steps for initial setup. That's because each is pre-configured to be fully functional. The both also have a Welcome application to help you check that everything you need is installed, right after you finish the installation.

2. Get the latest security and driver updates

Right after installation you should update to ensure that you have the latest versions of applications, drivers and security updates. Both Linux Mint and Ubuntu MATE come with a software update application to make this easy.

3. Install Support for media

If you chose to install third-party apps during the installation, you can skip this step. If not, you can install them later.

4. Obtain the latest updated drivers

A wide range of hardware is compatible with Linux right out of the box. So if everything is already working for you, you can simply skip this step. No additional setup necessary. On the other hand, if your computer does have a component that requires a proprietary driver that's not pre-installed, the system will tell you and let you install whatever you need in a few easy steps. Just follow the instructions.

Now you have a fully-functional Linux computer, ready to use, with these features and apps included:

  • An Internet Browser.
  • A email mail application.
  • An office suite with word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, drawing, and math apps, and more.
  • A scanning app in case you have a scanner or a multi-function printer.
  • A Music and podcast manager.
  • Media player for videos.
  • Security apps. (Automated backups, simple firewall, automated sofware updater)
  • Assistive technology applications. Screen reader, on-screen keyboard, screen magnifier, and much more are ready to enable and begin using immediately.
  • Support built-in for PDF creation and reading, Bluetooth devices, Wifi connections, laptop battery monitoring, and streaming audio and video services.
  • Support for high resolution (HiDPI) monitors and multiple monitors.

Check out the specific four steps for Ubuntu MATE and Linux Mint to get started.