How to Download and Install Linux Mint 10

Linux Mint is a distribution that started in 2006 and is the 4th most widely used home computer operating system behind Windows, Apple Mac and Ubuntu Linux.

The reasons for this popularity are varied, but some of the most common reasons stated are:

* It has full multimedia support out of the box.

* It uses a layout similar to Microsoft Windows, making the transition to Linux easier for newcomers.

* It is free in cost and is open source.

* Users are encouraged to send feedback so that they personally can help improve Linux Mint.

* Linux Mint is based on Debian and Ubuntu Linux and provides approximately 30,000 software packages that users can install and use on their Linux Mint computers.

* A conservative approach to updates and other features means that Linux Mint requires a minimum of maintenance; programs such as antivirus and antispyware applications are not needed.

On November 12, 2010 Linux Mint released version 10 of their operating system. This version is available in both 32- and 64-bit versions and has minimal hardware requirements. This enables older computers to be given new life instead of being discarded because they cannot handle the newer versions of Windows.

The hardware requirements are:
* X86 processor (the 64-bit version of Linux Mint requires a 64-bit processor, but the 32-bit version will work on both 32- and 64-bit processors)
* 512 MB RAM memory
* 4 GB of available hard disk space
* 800x600 minimum graphics card resolution
* Optical drive or USB port (This tutorial requires an optical drive)

Should you decide to try Linux Mint 10 for yourself, use a spare computer instead of your main system. This way you can safely explore Linux without endangering the functionality of your primary machine, enabling you to stop at will and use your primary system for normal activities while you explore and play with Linux Mint in your spare time.

Alternately, you can use a virtualization manager like VirtualBox to install Linux Mint 10 in your regular computer alongside your normal operating system if you do not have a spare computer available.

NOTE: The installation process will erase all the data on the hard disk of your test computer. Back up any information on this system that you do not wish to lose.

Installation Instructions:

Step One:
Download the appropriate image at this link and save to your computer's hard drive. Depending upon the speed of your internet connection the download may take some time.

Step Two:
Burn the image to disk using the image burning program of your choice. Windows 7 has a disk image burning program included.

Step Three:
Place the newly burned disk within the optical drive of your test computer and press CTRL + ALT + DEL to restart your test system and boot from the optical drive. Linux Mint will load the desktop on your computer.

Step Four:
Double-click the icon on the Desktop labeled "Install Linux Mint" to begin the installation process.

Step Five:
Select your preferred language and click the "Forward" button.

Step Six:
Verify that your computer has the requirements listed on this screen and click the "Forward" button.

Step Seven:
Select the box beside "Erase and use the entire disk" and click the "Forward" button.

Step Eight:
Click the "Install Now" button to accept the default hard disk configuration and begin the installation.

Step Nine:
Type in the name of a major city that shares your time zone in the space provided and click the "Forward" button.

Step Ten:
Select your keyboard layout and click the "Forward" button.

Step Eleven:
Enter your full name, choose a user name, type in your password and retype the password for verification and press the "Forward" button.

Step Twelve:
Watch the slideshow that demonstrates some features of Linux Mint while the installation completes.

Step Thirteen:
Press the "Restart Now" button after the installation completes.

Step Fourteen:
Remove the installation disc from the optical drive of the computer and press the "Enter" key. The computer will now restart.

Step Fifteen:
Click on your name and enter your password on the login screen. Press the "Log In" button to continue.

Step Sixteen:
Enjoy your new installation of Linux Mint 10!

References:
Distrowatch: Top 10 Linux Distributions
Distrowatch: Linux Mint
Linux Mint Home Page
About Linux Mint
Linux Mint 10 "Julia" Released