How to Download and Install Mandriva Linux 2010

Mandriva Linux has a rich history. It was created in 1998 under the name of Mandrake Linux and was eventually acquired by Conectiva who changed the company name to Mandriva. This version of Linux has always been known as being friendly to those new to the world of Linux and is an excellent distribution to explore if you want to learn more about the Linux operating system.

Mandriva has a version available for free download, as well as subscription services and other commercial options available. Explore Mandriva and get a taste of this well-written and friendly version of Linux.

Things You'll Need:
Functional computer with internet connection
Test computer for install
Blank CD-R

Step One:
Download the Mandriva 2010 disc image by clicking here.

Step Two:
Burn the disc image iso file to a blank CD-R using your favorite burning utility. If you have never burned iso images before I recommend downloading and installing ImgBurn--it is a free program that contains a wizard that makes burning disc images a simple process.

Step Three:
Place the burned CD into the test computer and press "Ctrl" + "Alt" + "Del" to restart the machine.

Step Four:
Press "Enter" to boot Mandriva Linux 2010.

Step Five:
Choose your language of choice and click "Next."

Step Six:
Place a dot in the radio button beside "Accept" to accept the license agreement and click "OK."

Step Seven:
Choose a city that shares the same timezone as your location and click "Next."

Step Eight:
Place a dot in the radio button beside the best time choice (local or Universal Time) and click "Next."

Step Nine:
Choose your keyboard layout and click "Next." Normally you will be able to accept the default choice. The Mandriva desktop will now load.

Step Ten:
Click the "Live Install" icon on your Desktop to begin the installation process.

Step Eleven:
Click "Next" on the window that will appear informing you that the install wizard is beginning.

Step Twelve:
Click "Next" to accept the suggestion that the DrakX Partitioning Wizard suggests. This is usually the best option for beginning users. If you wish to specify how Mandriva partitions your hard drive place a dot in the radio button labeled "Custom Disk Partitioning" before clicking "Next."

Step Thirteen:
Click "Next" to allow Mandriva to remove any unneeded packages from your system. Mandriva will then begin to install itself to your computer. Grab a cup of coffee and wait until it finishes.

Step Fourteen:
Click "Next" to accept the default choices for boot menu and boot device.

Step Fifteen:
Click "Finish" to accept the default boot options. Mandriva will now install the boot loader, which is what will tell your computer what operating systems are available and how to access them.

Step Sixteen:
Click "Finish" when Mandriva tells you it is done installing.

Step Seventeen:
Remove the Mandriva CD from the CD-ROM drive.

Step Eighteen:
Go to "System," "Shut Down," "Restart" to restart your computer.

Step Nineteen:
Type in a password for Root when the computer reboots and give your user account a name and a password. The Root password is for making serious changes to the computer (installing programs, etc.) and the user account is for daily use. Click "Next" when finished.

Step Twenty:
Click "Next" to begin registering your copy of Mandriva.

Step Twenty-one:
Fill in your personal information and click "Create my account."

Step Twenty-two:
Click "Next."

Step Twenty-three:
Click "Close" to finish loading Mandriva Linux.

Step Twenty-four:
Enjoy learning about Mandriva Linux 2010!

Tips:
It is best to learn a new operating system by installing it on a test machine instead of the computer that you use full time. This enables you to have your primary machine to access the internet and do your regular work while you explore and work out the kinks in the new install.

Warnings:
Back up all important files and folders on the test computer before beginning the Mandriva install. Accidents can and do happen regardless of how careful you are.

References:
Mandriva company background