Installing Elementary OS

Elementary OS is an Ubuntu based Linux distribution, which started as a theme and application set for Ubuntu. It is the vehicle to introduce the Pantheon desktop environment, similar to how Linux Mint was the vehicle to introduce the Cinnamon desktop environment before Cinnamon was available in other Linux distributions.It inherits legacy of Ubuntu OS and shares Ubuntu’s software Center for package management. It is known for its lightweight nature which is low on resource that makes it easy to run on old PCS, simple yet effective user interface, beautiful themes and wallpaper serves as an eye-candy to users and one of the best Linux OS for Linux newbies.

Features of Elementary OS

• Powered by Linux Kernel 3.16
• Default Desktop : Pantheon
• Easy Installation.
• Requires least Maintenance and can be installed virtually anywhere and everywhere.
• Lightweight and can be Installed anywhere.
• Architecture Support : x86 and x86_64
• DEB package manager. So you can install all Debian supported software

Downloading Elementary OS

The ISO file for the Elementary OS can be found on its official website www.elementary.io on the site it says to purchase Elementary OS but don't worry it is absolutely  free. Just click "Enter custom amount" and type zero in it and click on download. And you are ready to go.

Installing Elementary OS

1.  Burn the Image to CD/DVD disk or you may like to make your USB stick bootable. If you are going to make your USB stick bootable to boot and Install freya, you may like to visit the below article, where we have discussed ways to make a USB stick bootable.
2. Change your systems BIOS settings for booting from USB or CD-ROM.
3. After booting from the CD-ROM you will see options for installing the OS and select Install Elementary OS.
   
4. You need at least 6.5 GB of drive space and make sure the laptop/PC is plugged to a power-source. You may need to connect to Internet if you want the updates to be installed during OS Installation. It will take a little longer and hence I didn’t chose “Download updates while Installing”. Moreover I don’t need any third party software. If you need you may select the option from here and click Continue.
   
5. Now you will be prompted to choose the Installation method. If you want to clean install then select "Erase everything" or else if you want to select and modify the partitions yourself select "Something else" to modify and create partitions
   
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7. Choose Key board Layout. If you are not sure you can use “Detect Keyboard Layout”. For most of the case it would be English (US).
   
   
8. Next, create a new user account and enter username, computer name and password. You may select to Login Automatically (not recommended). You may Encrypt your home folder for better security.
9. The Installer will Start Installing the OS and configuring your system. It will take some time depending upon your system configuration and hardware.
   
10. Once the Installation is Complete you will get message to Restart your System. Click “Restart Now”.

After booting, you will get a login Interface. Notice the Guest session created by default. Type in your password and you are done.

If you have any dout you can watch the video tutorial for installing elementary os.

Conclusion

This project is too awesome. Installation took very less time. The Installation was straight and easy. Elementary OS doesn’t install tons of extra application which you may never needed. It just install basic applications. The overall user interface is beautiful, nothing seems to lag while testing.

Booting and Shutting down is fast too. I must say Elementary OS is a very good GNU/Linux Operating System which aims at power with low on resource. If you are new to this distribution. If you are experienced and need fast OS with Little or no maintenance need, elementary OS is your companion.

Test elementary OS and let us know what you felt. I’ll be here again with another Interesting article. Till then stay tuned and connected to Tecmint. Don’t forget to provide us with your valuable feedback in the comments below. Like and share us and help us get spread.