Clean pc with installing LMDE 5 over current Debian 11.3

[rickv]

Hey guys,


as a short intro, I'm completely new in Linux and don't have any computer/programming skill. Have been using Windows the last decennium - very rarely using the command promp - and after reading about windows privacy issues, I would like to switch to Linux' LMDE5

Debian 11.3 Bullseye is currently installed on the pc, and would like to have a completely fresh computer by installing the LMDE5.

My question is:

could I just install LMDE5, from an USB, on the computer? Will it completely override/erase everything what was already on?

Is there any particular stuff to do; would you happen to give any advice on how to do this?


********** some old post from 2010 said - since it's superold and I didn't really understand this answer, still a mention of it **********

Re: Overwrite existing Linux OS.
Post by Aging Technogeek » Tue Oct 19, 2010 3:02 pm

You do not need to delete an older Linux installation before installing Mint unless you want to change the partitioning scheme. If you do not want to change the partition sizes, just click on each existing partition you want to reuse, click "Change" and, in the "Edit" window, set the file system type you want (ext3, ext4, xfs, etc.), format the partition and set the mount point (/, /home/etc). Do not change the partition size.

When you have edited all partitions, click "Forward" to continue the installation and Mint will be installed over your old Linux OS.
Registered Linux User 483387

*********** end ***************


(since i'm totally new to typing, and Linux needs commands with the ctrl-alt-t, follow up questions will likely happen!

Thanks so much, have a good night,

Rick

[antikythera]

could I just install LMDE5, from an USB, on the computer? Will it completely override/erase everything what was already on?

yes, the installer will let you do that, just choose the option and let it get on with automatic partitioning too.

[timbol]

Is there any particular stuff to do; would you happen to give any advice on how to do this?

Information on making the USB here viewtopic.php?f=90&t=377890&p=2204725#p2204725
Back anything that you want to keep up to separate storage before you start
While the installation will wipe the hard drive you'll be warned that data won't be totally gone. It's gone enough for my security purposes, but unless you have hours to spare and really, really secret stuff, IME skip the secure wipe option

[MLED4]

MY friend, converting Debian 11.3 to LMDE is easy.

Simply add the linuxmint repository for LMDE 4 Debbie in /etc/apt/sources.list Download linuxmint-keyring package and use dpkg -i to install it)

Code: Select all

sudo apt update

sudo apt install mint-info-cinnamon mint-artwork debian-system-adjustments mintsystem mintmenu 

Then change your LMDE repository entry to from debbie to elsie

Code: Select all

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade
sudo apt install mint-meta-core
sudo update-grub

you will now have a minty grub and a minty neofetch and minty themes and mintsources will work and not complain.

starting from debbie then upgrading gets your base-files onto the right version. You could instead begin with elsie repos, download base-files, then dpkg -i to install and lock the version. Unlock it before next upgrade!