Obtaining a Linux Distribution

Obtaining a Linux Distribution

The easiest way to install a particular Linux distribution is to download it from the web. Of course, this assumes you have access to a working computer with access to the internet (-and preferably a broadband connection at that).

If you are installing Linux on a computer it is normally because:

• You have just bought a new computer (-in which case it should come pre-loaded with an operating system)

• You have got fed up with the existing operating system and are looking for something better

• Or you are building a PC from scratch

In the first two cases, you should have a working PC (-although you still might not have access to the web). If you really don't have access to the internet, you'll need to either:

• Access the internet (-e.g. via an internet café) and order an install CD/DVD from one of the sources below

• Check out the various Linux magazines in your newsagent, which often contain discs with the latest distros

Here are the main sources for a sample of Linux distributions (-use a search engine to locate other distros):

Linux Distro	URL for Ordering a Boot Disc
Ubuntu	http://www.ubuntu.com/desktop/get-ubuntu/cds
Fedora	http://fedoraproject.org/en/get-fedora-options#formats
TinyCore	http://distro.ibiblio.org/pub/linux/distributions/tinycorelinux/
Puppy	http://www.thelinuxshop.co.uk/
Linux Mint	http://on-disk.com/index.php?manufacturers_id=70
MEPIS	http://www.mepis.org/store
Zorin OS	http://zorin-os.com/premium.html

As most people reading this will already have access to the internet and this is the cheapest (i.e. free) way into Linux, we would always recommend downloading the distribution over the internet.

Be the first to add a comment to this page