How Do I Install Linux on a Brand New Computer?

I have been rabbit-holing this ms 11 local account creation, as I may be delving into this m-ess soon. I found this snippet. It suggests using rufus to disable the tpm 2.0 requirement  also, if using older hardware. The article is kind of dated from april, but the comments are keeping it current.

https://www.tomshardware.com/how-to/install-windows-11-without-microsoft-account#xenforo-comments-3770374

As far as the TPM requirement, on a Lenovo M82 with Win 10 pro already installed......this worked installing Win 11 pro with out any issues or complaints:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/ways-to-install-windows-11-e0edbbfb-cfc5-4011-868b-2ce77ac7c70e

A relatively easy registry hack.

Scroll down to:

So far, all updates seem to have installed.

And when they won't.....I don't care because I don't use it....I was just curious.

I allowed a MS account.....again....I don't care  I don't intend to use it.

1. On your older laptop with windows 10....download Linux Mint 21.2, Cinnamon from here. Save it to your desktop or downloads....somewhere easy to find.

 

2. On the same older laptop, Open Balena Etcher ....download it for windows. Or you use Rufus. It may be easier to use on windows.

https://rufus.ie/en/

 

 

3. Use etcher to "attach" the downloaded LM21.2 cinnamon to the usb stick

 

4. Take the usb stick out of the older laptop and insert it in the NEW laptop

 

5.You now need to boot the new laptop to that usb stick

 

6.When it finishes booting, you will see the linux Mint logo on the screen/desktop

 

7. Also on the desktop will be an icon which says "Install Linux Mint" 

Before you click on that, just take a moment or two to see if the sound and internet are connected and working.

 

8. Double click on install Linux Mint. Follow the prompts. it will ask for language (english etc), and will ask if you wish to use the whole disk for Linux Mint....answer Yes.

 

9. There should be one or two questions further along in the install asking if you wish to install multimedia codecs or similar...tick Yes, in all cases

 

10. you can drink coffee and watch. It will probably put you to sleep

 

11. When it finishes, it will ask if you wish to reboot now...reply Yes....it will prompt you to take the usb stick out.

 

12. Go for it.

To access your bios. Look up your computers model number then look at the manual for tge button.

thanks.

I have been rabbit-holing this ms 11 local account creation, as I may be delving into this m-ess soon. I found this snippet. It suggests using rufus to disable the tpm 2.0 requirement  also, if using older hardware. The article is kind of dated from april, but the comments are keeping it current.

 

https://www.tomshardware.com/how-to/install-windows-11-without-microsoft-account#xenforo-comments-3770374

Since I started this thread I have reconsidered what I want.  I don't use MS products other than Windows.  For what I plan to do with this computer - I have no need of anything from Microsoft.  Even if I could set up a local account now - it is clear that Microsoft is on a mission to end local accounts and by installing  now - I'd just be kicking the can down the road.

I do agree it is a good idea to check it out first - and if I am understanding this I will need Windows 11 set up.  OK - I can create a MS account, install W11, then install dual boot Mint and when I'm satisfied things look good - uninstall W11 and delete the MS account.  Perhaps it would be best to use a disposable email account to boot.

The problem here, for me, is that my knowledge is spotty.  I ask questions here and don't get answer - or at least I am not certain they are the right answer.  And different people post differing msgs and I'm  not sure they have read the whole thread and might have missed something important regarding what I am trying to do - for instance - that the computer right now has not been set up.  By answering my questions directly - it helps me to understand more what is going on here as I am not comfortable following instructions I don't understand.  I am not new to computers - just spent decades as  a user not a techie.  Thanks

[Rant On]
This thread has been going on for three days.  Try something!  Aim for your initial usage wish!  What's the worst that can happen?  If there's a problem, share it with us and somebody will help.  If you want to use Linux, you need to accept becoming a techie yourself.  Either you learn it in school or hand on practice.
[Rant Off]

If it can help you sort out the different details provided so far, my vote goes to what Condobloke said:
https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/t/791649/how-do-i-install-linux-on-a-brand-new-computer/?p=5584915

 

I have to buy a USB stick.  That is holding up my process.

For a linux distro you can burn a DVD if you have one.

@ LittleGreenDots :-

I've got to agree with what others have said, above. In all honesty, there's only SO much "hand-holding" we can provide. At some point, you have to take the plunge, dive-in and get on with trying something.

Whilst I applaud your sense of caution - and trying to research as much as you can first; it's an approach I often take myself - you can only take it so far. There's no substitute for hands-on experience; "breaking" and having to re-install your chosen system (often several times!) is a time-honoured part of the Linux "noob" experience. Trust me, we've ALL been there.....even the veterans among us.

In that respect, you're in good company. But enough with the foot-dragging! 

Unfortunately, becoming a bit of a "geek" - or a "techie", as you put it - is kind of unavoidable with Linux (though nothing like it used to be). However, it's not as daunting as it might at first appear.....the "learning-curve" is really only as hard as you yourself make it. We're happy to help where we can.....but you DO have to "make a start", y'know.

You've been given plenty of sensible advice above, especially from Condobloke. It's GOOD advice, so.....follow it.

Mike. 

Edited by Mike_Walsh, 26 November 2023 - 08:49 AM.

@ LittleGreenDots :-

 

I've got to agree with what others have said, above. In all honesty, there's only SO much "hand-holding" we can provide.

 

I asked some questions and never got answers.  Instead I got instructions and I needed in my mind to feel comfortable about what I was doing.   I already knew how to set up and install Mint.  That wasn't what I needed to know.  Thanks for all the input.  Please close this thread.