How Do I Install Linux on a Brand New Computer?

https://forums.lenovo.com/t5/Ubuntu/Install-Ubuntu-on-ideapad-Gaming-3-15IMH05-Laptop-Type-81Y4/m-p/5245823

 

https://9to5linux.com/best-linux-distros-for-the-lenovo-ideapad-gaming-3-amd-gaming-laptop

Thanks. I don't understand this.  Here is a section from the link you provided: 

For modern Lenovo machines, bootable media must be built for gpt partition table and uefi only.  Selecting to install MBR will result in no booting.  MBR and legacy mode support were removed several years ago, and have been obsolete for more than a decade.

Perhaps my best bet then is to sell the laptop.

You should have no problem running Linux on that pc

Lenovo are known to be Linux friendly

No keep the laptop.

Use Rufus as previously suggested - it will have setting for  the gpt and uefi when creating the bootable USB. It will or should work OK.

As seen in the image on the site: https://rufus.ie/en/

Edited by 0lds0d, 22 November 2023 - 09:10 PM.

l- do I have to go through the process of installing Windows 11 in order to gain have control  so I can set the boot order to USB?

The short answer is NO.

I don't know you computer, but the boot process for the Linux USB device is at the BIOS/UEFI level, that is before the Microsoft boot (that takes control of resources like your keyboard). If the Linux USB device doesn't launch at boot time, the option must be changed in the BIOS so the Linux USB device may launch at boot, or simply erase/format the main drive of your laptop.

Edited by Dominique1, 22 November 2023 - 10:42 PM.

@ LittleGreenDots:-

If it was me, I'd certainly keep the laptop. My concern here would be just HOW "new" the hardware is.

Reason I say this is because for most of the major manufacturers, there's a continuous 'consultation' going on between them and Microsoft. M$'s development model basically puts the onus on the manufacturer to ensure their hardware will work with the operating system.

With Linux, it's sort of a 'mirror image' process. Since all distros use the Linux kernel, the onus here is on the kernel team to make sure it can communicate and work with the latest hardware.....and drivers, especially, can take a few months to reverse-engineer (because manufacturers - with very few exceptions - won't engage with the kernel team and provide them with the crucial specs that they need). So it all has to be figured-out 'in-absentia'......and that CAN take anything up to a few months, depending on how much time the devs are able to devote to the code. (Bear in mind that most Linux devs work on stuff in their own, un-paid time; bit like me, really, putting together utilities for 'Puppy'.....but I don't mind, 'cos I'm gradually learning more & more Bash scripting all the time. Which I'm quite happy to do, since it means I'm able to automate more stuff for my own systems. Win-win!)

The kernel always gets there.....eventually! It just takes a bit of time, that's all.

Mike. 

Edited by Mike_Walsh, 23 November 2023 - 08:26 AM.

Manjaro is OK for AMD too  and is user friendly (seems to be).

Edited by 0lds0d, 23 November 2023 - 07:18 AM.

OK good to know.

Manjaro when first released was one of the last distros I tried when still using Linux. Did hear it had improved and was "useable", so I thought it was OK to recommend.

Isn't ARCH hard to install/setup for a new Linux user? Or has that changed as well?

Isn't ARCH hard to install/setup for a new Linux user? Or has that changed as well?

Not intending to bash Dan for saying so, but an awful lot of enthusiastic Arch users have a horrible tendency to assume everyone is as "geeky" as they are! Naturally, it's the same for users of any distro; enthusiasts will always recommend their favourite.....especially once they have a few years experience under their belts. To them, it's then a piece of cake, because by then they KNOW what they're doing.

After a decade with 'Puppy', one would hardly blame me for recommending it.......except I won't, because I know for a fact that Puppy's unusual approach to many things will ill-prepare any new user for the way mainstream distros handle stuff. They need to get used to 'mainstream' ASAP; they can choose to come to Puppy and experience the 'goodness' at a later date once they've got the hang of things.....and have a better idea of just how Linux functions.

(*shrug...*)

Mike. 

Edited by Mike_Walsh, 23 November 2023 - 08:37 AM.

I am not technically well-endowed.  I don't understand the most recent comments.   If  I keep the computer I was planning on using Cinnamon Mint.  I tried it before and it made sense to me. The only reason I stopped was because I didn't  have internet at the time and I was needing online information to learn how to navigate various tasks.  What I plan to do with this computer is very basic stuff -  I have a  Windows 10 computer that I can use for the third party software I need. 

I'm wondering if MS will get around to patching 10 to block creating local accounts????

I watch sci-fi movies  - am now wondering if MS, from their command center, will develop a death ray that will simultaneously disable all local accounts for everyone running Windows?  Just kidding of course...

Edited by LittleGreenDots, 23 November 2023 - 10:47 AM.

Please clarify something for me...if  I  proceed with installing Linux on this  machine - what  is the next step for me?  I'm really confused because I don't understand the conversations here.

What are the steps I need to take?  I am not a computer geek. 

What do I need before I start?  A USB with the OS.  If I insert the USB before I boot, will it start the installing process?  Or do I need to install Windows 11 first and then change the boot order so I can install Linux?  I do not want to dual boot. 

I need some clear information.  Please answer my questions because this is how I think and when you diverge to other options and methods - you lose me.

And thanks so much for your help!!!