how to download and start Linux?

[Whobiggs]

I can't even get going, I want an alternative to Win10 as I'm having so many problems on my netbook. I don't know how to begin, I've tried downloading (as well as others such as Solus etc) and the result is always the same. Non of the options will work, downloaded onto a USB stick nothing is available to click on, same goes for Rufus and whatever programme I'm instructed to use. I'm told to create a disc but that won't work either nor would it work on the netbook. Am I just too dim to use this programme if I can't even begin it?

[killer de bug]

Have you looked at this tutorial? https://tutorials.ubuntu.com/tutorial/t ... -windows#0

[Moem]

Maybe the documentation will 'click' with you? https://linuxmint-installation-guide.re ... en/latest/

[michael louwe]

@ Whobiggs, .......

.

.
1. Download the LM ISO file and save/store it in a designated folder on your computer, eg the Download folder.
2. Download and/or install an Image/ISO writing/burning program on your Windows computer, eg Universal USB Installer/Rufus for writing to a USB Flash-drive.
3. Run the Image/ISO writing program and plug in the USB Flash-drive. While in this program, browse to the location of the LM ISO file and double-click on it. Ensure that the target device is selected, ie the USB Flash-drive. Click "Write/Burn Image".

... https://www.lifewire.com/create-uefi-bo ... sb-2202084

Do you intend to install LM as single-boot or dual-boot.?

P S - By default, the LM ISO file is hybrid, ie can be installed in either Legacy BIOS or modern post-2011 UEFI computers. IOW, the Live LM Installer auto-detects whether the computer is Legacy BIOS or UEFI, and will install accordingly. The Windows Rufus program allows you to specifically choose UEFI/GPT or Legacy BIOS/MBR when creating the Live LM USB Flash-drive.

[Whobiggs]

I've tried those tutorials and downloaded the files but I haven't a clue how to open them, nothing seems to work!

[Moem]

You don't open them, you burn the .iso to a DVD or USBstick. Then you boot your machine from that, instead of from the hard disk.

[alexa9]

I've tried those tutorials and downloaded the files but I haven't a clue how to open them, nothing seems to work!

Use a program (I used Etcher) to write the Linux file to the thumb drive. Then restart and press whatever key to boot from the USB and install. It was difficult for me the first time to figure out but it's really simple.

[Whobiggs]

I'm clearly too dim for this topic, when the file is downloaded onto the USB then what do I do? I cannot click/run/view anything?

[Moem]

You don't download it to the USBstick. You download it to your computer, and you burn the .iso to a USBstick. Then you boot your machine from that, instead of from the hard disk.

You cannot start Linux from inside Windows. It needs to be started instead of Windows.