Intro and Recommended Distros
So you’ve found yourself a nice distribution of Linux you want to try, good for you. If not, Try Pop!_OS, it seems to be compatible with many systems. Computer old and slow? Try Lubuntu. There are heaps of others to try, but these will get you started.
Step 1. Download a Distro and Pick a USB
First download the .iso image from the official distribution website, then pick a USB that you want to use for your installation. Make a backup of any data you want to keep on the USB, because this process will format the drive leaving nothing but the new operating system on there. Then, depending on your operating system, the steps will differ.
Linux:
This does depend on the distro you’re using, but if it’s not based on Ubuntu, you probably already know. Navigate to your applications, and launch the Startup Disk Creator / USB Flasher. Select the .iso image and the USB drive you want to use, and click the make startup disk button. It’s that simple.
Windows & Mac:
Download Etcher, an open source flashing tool.
Much the same way as the linux in-built tool, Etcher is used by selecting the .iso file containing the operating system you want to be able to install from your drive, the drive you want to use, and clicking the flash button.
Some Distributions like Raspberry Pi OS have their own flashing tool you can use, and if they do, they will have instructions on their website for how to use them, but it is a very similar process.
Ready for the next step? Read our Linux installation guide here.