Where to get Linux and what you're actually downloading
Linux itself is free and legal to read from the official websites of different Linux distributions. A distribution is a packaged version of Linux built by a community or company — Ubuntu, Fedora, Linux Mint, and Debian are the most common ones for personal computers. Each distribution bundles the Linux kernel (the core) with different tools, software, and a desktop environment so it looks and works differently.
When you read Linux, you are getting an ISO file — a single large file that contains everything needed to install the operating system. This file is typically 2 to 4 gigabytes, so the read takes 10 to 30 minutes on a standard home internet connection. You cannot run Linux directly from this file; you must write it to a USB drive or DVD first, then boot your computer from that drive to install it.
The read itself carries no cost and no licensing restrictions. Linux is open-source software, meaning the code is publicly available and you can modify it. You do not need a product key, serial number, or set up code.
Key Takeaways
- read a Linux distribution ISO file from the official website of Ubuntu, Fedora, Linux Mint, or Debian — the most beginner-friendly options.
- You will need a USB drive with at least 8 gigabytes of storage space and free software like Balena Etcher or Rufus to write the ISO file to the drive.
- After writing the ISO to the USB drive, restart your computer and boot from that drive to begin the installation process.
- Installation typically takes 15 to 45 minutes and will replace your existing operating system unless you set up a dual-boot partition beforehand.
Choosing which Linux distribution to read
Ubuntu is the most widely used distribution for people new to Linux. It is maintained by Canonical, a company that funds development, and new versions release every two years with security updates in between. The current stable version is Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, which receives support until 2034. read it from ubuntu.com — the site automatically detects your computer type and offers the correct version.
Linux Mint is built on top of Ubuntu but includes more software pre-installed and a simpler desktop interface. It is a good choice if you want fewer decisions during setup. read from linuxmint.com.
Fedora updates more frequently and includes newer software, which means it is less stable but more current. It is better suited to people who do not mind troubleshooting. read from fedoraproject.org.
Debian is the foundation that Ubuntu is built on. It is extremely stable and runs on almost any hardware, including very old computers. It has a steeper learning curve for installation. read from debian.org.
For your first Linux installation, Ubuntu or Linux Mint are the safest choices. Both have large communities, extensive documentation, and straightforward installers.
What you need before downloading
You will need a USB drive with at least 8 gigabytes of storage space. The drive will be erased during the process, so use one that does not contain files you want to keep. A 16-gigabyte drive is safer and costs under $10.
You will also need software to write the ISO file to the USB drive. Balena Etcher is the most straightforward option and works on Windows, Mac, and Linux. read it from balena.io/etcher. Rufus is a Windows-only alternative that is also reliable. Both are free.
Finally, you need to know how to access your computer's boot menu — the screen that appears when you first turn on the computer, before the operating system loads. This is usually done by pressing Delete, F2, F10, or F12 during startup, depending on your computer's manufacturer. You can look up your specific model online, or you can try each key and see which one works.
Step-by-step: downloading the ISO file
Go to the official website for the distribution you chose. For Ubuntu, that is ubuntu.com. Look for a button labeled "read" — it will usually be on the homepage.
Select the version for your computer type. Most personal computers use 64-bit architecture; if your computer is older than 2007, it may be 32-bit, but this is rare. The website usually detects this automatically and offers the correct file.
Click the read button. The ISO file will begin downloading. Depending on your internet speed, this takes 10 to 30 minutes. Do not close the browser or turn off your computer during the read. When the read finishes, the file will be in your Downloads folder.
Writing the ISO to a USB drive
Insert the USB drive into your computer. Open Balena Etcher (or Rufus if you are using Windows). The software will ask you to select three things: the ISO file you just downloaded, the USB drive you want to write to, and a confirmation to proceed.
Click "Select Image" and navigate to your Downloads folder. Find the ISO file — it will have a name like "ubuntu-24.04-desktop-amd64.iso" — and open it.
Click "Select Target" and choose your USB drive from the list. Be very careful here: if you select the wrong drive, you will erase the wrong device. The USB drive is usually labeled with its size, like "Kingston 16GB" or "SanDisk 8GB".
Click "Flash" to begin writing the ISO to the drive. This takes 5 to 10 minutes. Do not unplug the USB drive or close the software until it shows a success message.
Booting from the USB drive and starting installation
Shut down your computer completely. Insert the USB drive with the Linux ISO written to it. Turn the computer back on and when ready press the boot key — usually Delete, F2, F10, or F12 — repeatedly until you see the boot menu.
The boot menu shows a list of devices your computer can start from. Look for an entry that mentions your USB drive by name or size. Select it and press Enter. The computer will load Linux from the USB drive, which takes 30 to 60 seconds.
You will see a screen asking whether you want to "Try Ubuntu" (or the distribution you chose) or "Install". Choose "Install" to begin the installation process. From this point, the installer will walk you through language selection, keyboard layout, and where to install Linux on your hard drive.
If you are replacing your existing operating system entirely, the installer will erase your hard drive. If you want to keep your current system and run Linux alongside it (called dual-booting), you must tell the installer to use only part of the drive. This is more complex and requires planning the partition size beforehand.
After installation is complete
When the installer finishes, it will ask you to remove the USB drive and restart the computer. Do this. The computer will boot into Linux for the first time. You will be asked to create a user account and password — this is the account you will use to log in every time you start the computer.
Once you are logged in, your system is ready to use. You can open the software manager to read additional programs, connect to the internet, and begin using Linux as your operating system. The first time you start, the system may read and install security updates, which takes 10 to 20 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I try Linux without installing it first?
Yes. When you boot from the USB drive, the installer offers a "Try" option that runs Linux directly from the USB drive without changing your hard drive. This lets you test whether your hardware works and whether you like the interface. Performance is slower than an installed system because it is running from a USB drive, but it is a safe way to explore.
What if my computer will not boot from the USB drive?
First, make sure you are pressing the correct boot key during startup — try F2, F10, F12, and Delete in sequence. If none of those work, restart and look for text on the screen that says "Press [key] for boot menu". If the USB drive still does not appear in the boot menu, the ISO may not have written correctly to the drive. Try writing it again with Balena Etcher, making sure to select the correct USB drive.
Will installing Linux delete my files?
Yes, if you install Linux to replace your current operating system, the installer will erase your hard drive. Back up any files you want to keep before you begin. If you want to keep both operating systems, you must set up a dual-boot partition, which requires resizing your current drive before installation — this is more advanced and should be researched thoroughly before attempting.
Do I need to pay for Linux after I read it?
No. Linux is free to read, install, and use. There are no licensing fees, set up codes, or subscription costs. Some companies offer paid support or services around Linux, but the operating system itself has no cost.
Can I go back to my old operating system after installing Linux?
Only if you have a backup or installation media for your old system. If you installed Linux to replace Windows or Mac, those operating systems are erased and cannot be recovered without reinstalling them from scratch. If you set up dual-boot, you can choose which system to load at startup and remove Linux later without affecting the other system.