Detailed Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Linux on a Computer or Embedded

System

This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step procedure for installing a Linux

operating system on a computer (desktop/laptop) or an embedded system (such as
Raspberry Pi, BeagleBone, or custom hardware). The process involves selecting a
Linux distribution, creating a bootable installer, and completing the installation.

1. Prerequisites

Before installing Linux, ensure you have the following:

For Computer (Desktop/Laptop)

 A computer with at least:

o 2GB RAM (4GB+ recommended)
o 20GB free storage (50GB+ recommended for full-featured distros)
o USB port (for bootable USB)
 A USB flash drive (8GB or larger)
 An internet connection (for downloading the OS and updates)

For Embedded Systems (e.g., Raspberry Pi)

 An embedded system (Raspberry Pi, BeagleBone, etc.)

 A microSD card (8GB+ recommended)
 A power supply compatible with the device
 Optional: HDMI monitor, keyboard, and mouse for setup

2. Choosing a Linux Distribution

Select a Linux distribution (distro) based on your needs:

Use Case Recommended Distros

General Desktop Use Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Fedora

Lightweight/Old
Lubuntu, Xubuntu, Puppy Linux
Hardware

Servers Debian, CentOS, Ubuntu Server

Use Case Recommended Distros

Embedded Systems Raspberry Pi OS, Yocto, Buildroot, Ubuntu Core

Download the ISO file from the official website of your chosen distro.

3. Creating a Bootable Linux Installer

For Computers (USB Bootable Drive)

Method 1: Using Rufus (Windows)

1. Download Rufus from rufus.ie.

2. Insert your USB drive (backup data, as it will be erased).
3. Open Rufus, select your USB drive.
4. Click SELECT and choose the downloaded Linux ISO.
5. Click START and wait for completion.

Method 2: Using BalenaEtcher (Windows/macOS/Linux)

1. Download BalenaEtcher from balena.io/etcher.

2. Open Etcher, select the Linux ISO.
3. Choose the USB drive and click Flash!.

Method 3: Using dd Command (Linux/macOS)

1. Identify your USB drive with:

bash

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lsblk # (Linux) or diskutil list (macOS)

2. Unmount the USB (replace /dev/sdX with your USB identifier):
bash

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 sudo umount /dev/sdX*
3. Write the ISO (be careful to select the correct drive):
bash

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sudo dd if=linux-distro.iso of=/dev/sdX bs=4M status=progress

For Embedded Systems (MicroSD Card)

 Use Raspberry Pi Imager for Raspberry Pi (Download here).

 For other embedded systems, use BalenaEtcher or dd as above.

4. Installing Linux on a Computer

Step 1: Boot from USB

1. Insert the bootable USB.

2. Restart the computer and enter BIOS/UEFI (usually by
pressing F2, F12, DEL, or ESC).
3. Change boot order to prioritize USB.
4. Save and exit.

Step 2: Start Installation

1. Select Install Linux (not "Try Linux").

2. Choose language, keyboard layout, and timezone.
3. Select installation type:
o Erase disk and install Linux (for a clean install).
o Install alongside Windows (dual-boot).
o Manual partitioning (advanced users).

Step 3: Partitioning (Manual Option)

 Recommended partitions for most users:

 o / (root) – 20GB+ (ext4)
o swap – Equal to RAM size (optional for modern systems)
o /home – Remaining space (for user files)

Step 4: Create User & Set Password

 Enter your name, computer name, username, and password.

 Choose whether to require a password for login.

Step 5: Complete Installation

 Wait for the installation to finish.

 Remove USB when prompted and reboot.

5. Installing Linux on an Embedded System

For Raspberry Pi

1. Flash the OS (e.g., Raspberry Pi OS) to microSD using Raspberry Pi

Imager.
2. Insert microSD, connect peripherals (monitor, keyboard).
3. Power on the Pi.
4. Follow on-screen setup (Wi-Fi, user creation, updates).

For Custom Embedded Systems (Yocto/Buildroot)

1. Download a pre-built image or build from source.

2. Flash to storage (eMMC/SD card) using dd or Etcher.
3. Boot the device and configure via serial console or SSH.

6. Post-Installation Setup

 Update packages:
 bash

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sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade # Debian/Ubuntu

sudo dnf upgrade # Fedora
 Install additional drivers (Wi-Fi, GPU, etc.).
 Install essential software (browser, office tools, code editors).

7. Troubleshooting Common Issues

Issue Solution

USB not booting Recreate bootable USB, disable Secure Boot

Black screen after

Check GPU drivers, use nomodeset in GRUB
install

Wi-Fi not working Install proprietary drivers (lspci to check)

Dual-boot issues Repair GRUB (boot-repair tool)

Conclusion

Installing Linux involves selecting a distro, creating a bootable medium, and

following installation prompts. For embedded systems, flashing a pre-built image
is often the easiest method. After installation, updating the system and installing
necessary software ensures a smooth experience.

Would you like a more specific guide for a particular Linux distribution or
embedded device? Let me know
 Here's a step-by-step guide on how to install a Linux operating system on a
computer or embedded system:
Preparation

1. Choose a Linux distribution: Select a Linux distribution that suits your needs,
such as Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, or CentOS.
2. Download the ISO file: Download the ISO file of the chosen Linux distribution
from the official website.
3. Create a bootable media: Create a bootable USB drive or DVD using the ISO
file. You can use tools like Rufus, Etcher, or dd command to create a bootable
USB drive.
4. Backup your data: Backup any important data on the computer or embedded
system before installing Linux.

Installation on a Computer

1. Insert the bootable media: Insert the bootable USB drive or DVD into the
computer.
2. Restart the computer: Restart the computer and enter the BIOS settings (usually
by pressing F2, F12, or Del).
3. Set the boot order: Set the boot order to boot from the USB drive or DVD.
4. Save and exit: Save the changes and exit the BIOS settings.
5. Boot from the media: The computer will now boot from the Linux installation
media.
6. Select the language and keyboard layout: Select the language and keyboard
layout according to your preferences.
7. Choose the installation type: Choose the installation type, such as installing
Linux alongside another operating system or replacing the existing operating
system.
8. Partition the disk: Partition the disk according to your needs. You can choose to
use the entire disk or create custom partitions.
9. Choose the packages to install: Choose the packages to install, such as desktop
environment, software development tools, or server packages.
10.Install the bootloader: Install the bootloader, such as GRUB, to manage the boot
process.
11.Complete the installation: Complete the installation process, which may take
several minutes.
12.Reboot the system: Reboot the system and remove the installation media.

Installation on an Embedded System

1. Prepare the embedded system: Prepare the embedded system by setting up the
necessary hardware, such as the storage device (e.g., SD card or flash drive).
2. Choose a Linux distribution: Choose a Linux distribution that is suitable for
embedded systems, such as Yocto or Buildroot.
3. Create a custom image: Create a custom image using the chosen Linux
distribution and the necessary packages for the embedded system.
4. Flash the image: Flash the custom image onto the storage device using tools like
dd command or specialized flashing tools.
5. Configure the system: Configure the system by setting up the network, device
drivers, and other necessary settings.
6. Boot the system: Boot the embedded system and test the Linux installation.

Post-Installation

1. Update the system: Update the system to ensure you have the latest security
patches and software updates.
2. Configure the network: Configure the network settings to connect to the internet
or local network.
3. Install additional packages: Install additional packages or software according to
your needs.
4. Test the system: Test the system to ensure everything is working as expected.

Some popular Linux distributions for embedded systems include:

 Yocto Project
 Buildroot
 OpenWrt
 Raspbian (for Raspberry Pi)

Some popular tools for creating custom Linux images for embedded systems
include:

 Yocto Project's BitBake

 Buildroot's make menuconfig
 OpenEmbedded