Conversation

Linux install day 2

So it doesn't look like the USB / port was the issue - more like the HP I have does NOT like to recognise it as a boot option. I eventually (and apologies, as I'm going to look like a bit of a div here) worked out how to access BIOS and change the boot order, though had to muddle my way through, as the information available was either outdated or incorrect. This was the charm and I AM NOW IN and coming to you from the live session, about to do full install!

I don't know if anyone has been at all interested in this, but if there's anyone even remotely curious about the process, I will say this - the actual install isn't *that* difficult. It's the stupid other bits that get in the way.

- I couldn't work out how to verify the mirror download(?) or if you needed to do it (one person said yes, loads of people said no, so I didn't bother in the end)
- I wasn't sure if I had to download the install to a flash drive (you do)
- Etcher was a waste of time, as wouldn't read any of the files to copy (I spent a lot of time on this)
- Rufus is essential (which I should have used from the beginning), but you won't understand it unless you have prior knowledge and 'easy' info about it isn't really available
- Ports can have different functionality, which might affect where you stick your USB drive (ie. won't let you boot from it, though this wasn't ultimately my issue)
- If you have a 'puter like mine, it will fight like hell not to recognise an alternative boot source as an option
- You have to change boot configuration, which you can only do in BIOS (ignore anything that says otherwise, as it won't recognise the drive)
- Restart, pressing Escape or F10 to get into this menu
- From this point it's 'relatively' straightforward and you just need to go into the right bit and change the boot order to move USB to the top
- Restart and hey presto

I've just realised it's quite funny me attempting to explain a linux install to Fedi, but look - I didn't bloody know, so it might help someone?

HAVING SAID THAT - I WOULD HAVE NEVER GOT THIS FAR if it wasn't for lots of people here helping me (in particular @wendigo - thanks so so much). Yet another example of how utterly terrific this place is. There was a lot of good natured banter about which distro is better (if I'm using that right), but everyone was super helpful and nice about it.

I bloody love Fedi.