Why Linux
I’ve always heard that Linux is the way to go but I never tried it. I had Windows and it worked fine for me. I took some training at work that required Linux so I started using it inside a virtual machine. I got comfortable with it and decided it would be fun to try at home.
Why Mint
Based on this Dev.to article it sounded like where a Linux newbie like myself should start. I tried a couple versions inside VirtualBox before committing. I used OSBoxes to quickly get them up and running.
Why Dual-Boot
I chose to dual-boot because I didn’t want to risk losing Windows if I messed up the Mint install. Also because the Mint install made it really easy.
How I did it
Disclaimer!
I’ll recount the steps I took and the references I used but can’t guarantee any of it for anyone else.Also it’s a good idea to follow along with Mint’s install docs.
1. Back Up Data
I backed up my data because there’s always a chance it could get wiped from existence.
2. Download Linux Mint
I grabbed the 64bit Cinnamon version from here.
3. Create a Bootable USB
I used Etcher to flash the image onto my USB drive but any flashing software should do the trick.
4. Create Disk Space
My first attempt didn’t take because I didn’t have any room. I ended up freeing up some space from my Windows partitions.
5. Update Boot Configuration
I had to disable secure boot and change the boot order in the BIOS.
6. Install Mint
I followed the on-screen instructions at this point. Here are the important bits:
- Dual booting with Windows
- Create partitions
- Root (I used 20Gb)
- Swap (I used 8Gb)
- Home (I used the rest of my free space)A few more on-screen instructions and I was ready to go!
7. Use Mint
Mint is installed and ready to go. I’m on a Razer Blade Stealth and everything works out of the box except for closing the lid. I’m sure there are other things that don’t quite work that I haven’t encountered yet. When I close the lid Mint is supposed to suspend but when I open the lid back up I have to hard shutdown before my laptop will wake up and respond. Other than that I’m very happy with Mint and hope that this article helps you!
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