- Decide what you would like to do. Are you going
to reinstall your operating system because of problems, upgrading your
current version, or are you installing an operating system on a new
computer? Make sure that you have the new operating system install
program. Windows and MAC require that you purchase a CD or DVD Rom(s).
Ubuntu and other Linux are free and can be installed from a flash drive
too.
- 2Back up your data.
If you are reinstalling your operating system, it is likely that you
will need to wipe the disk. Back up your data before doing so, as
everything on the disk will be destroyed. If you are simply upgrading,
it is okay to skip this step, but it is advisable to save at least the
most important files on your computer.
- 3Completely wipe all information from the hard disc.
This will insure that you do not carry problems over into the new
install. For instructions on how to do this watch the video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OfICZMMr0JM
- New installations of Windows and Linux offer to replace all data on
your entire hard disk. So completely wiping it prior to installation is
unnecessary.
- 4Boot up. Turn on
your computer and quickly enter the boot menu. The owner's manual for
your computer or motherboard should have instructions on how to do this.
It will show on the screen for a breif moment too. Select the drive
that contains the setup disk (and be sure you have inserted it). Save
the setting and exit.
- 5Start the installation.
It may take the install program a few minutes to load, this is normal.
Once it has loaded, follow the onscreen instructions. If you are
installing a new operating system on a new computer or reinstalling due
to a problem, wipe the disk. Be sure you have saved everything that you
would like to save before starting this process.
- 6Sit back and relax.
The installer may ask you for some information while it's installing,
but for the most part, just waiting is okay. Near the end of the
installation, the installer will ask you for last-minute information,
like your name, the name of the computer, sign in name, password, time
zone, etc. Do not be alarmed by this, none of this information can be
used to identify you, it's all for personal preference.
- 7Enter the product ID.
If you are installing a consumer operating system like Windows, it will
probably require you to enter a product ID. Look at the back of the CD
case for the product ID. If you are installing Linux, this does not
apply to you.
- 8Reboot. Once you
reboot, the computer will finalize everything and log you in. At this
point, you may need to install drivers. Insert any disks that came with
your computer or it's parts that are NOT an operating system, and allow
the drivers to be installed (if necessary).
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