Please, in a jargon free fashion, how do I download and burn a program to a disk, and which type disk do I use?

Question

I wish to switch to Linux and I'm having difficulty finding an explanation on how to do this. I am quite elderly and learning all this new jargon does not come easy for me. Thank you all for your time.

Answer 1

First of all good choice on your switch to Linux.

There are many different versions of linux. You can search the internet for whatever version best suits your needs. If you wish to run Linux from a disc without installing it to your computer you will need to look for a version of Linux that supports a Live CD. However, if you wish to install it to your computer any version will do. First go to the website where you will download Linux. Next, choose to save the file to your desktop. When the file has finished downloading to the desktop, right-click on the file and click copy, copy the file to the CD/DVD. In regard to what type of disc should be used, it all depends on how big the file is that you are burning. A CD-R, or CD-RW is good for fairly small files and a DVD+/-R, or DVD+/-RW would be good for a large file or numerous amounts of files. I hope this answers your question.



In response to your comment, I would use a DVD if you are unsure of the file size, because the DVD has more space. However DVD's are more expensive than CD's. I checked a few websites and most Linux versions would be able to fit on a 750 MB CD, so you could use that too. In regard to the type of CD or DVD you should use (+/-R or RW); a +/-R disc, to use an analogy, is "like a pen" you can write to it but once it is burnt it cannot be erased. On the other hand a +/-RW disc is "like a pencil" you can write to it and erase it a numerous amount of times. So in summary I would recommend first using a CD-RW and if it does not fit on that then you could try a DVD.

Answer 2

I am go into to assume that you are using Windows.



First I would like to recommend Linux Mint 9 to you as it is one of the easiest distros to use. http://www.linuxmint.com/



I would also recommend the Gnome (which is a Desktop Environment) to start with: http://www.linuxmint.com/download.php , When looking at the download page, you will see that there is a LiveCD and LiveDVD 32-bit and 64-bit. If you don't know what your processor is then just download the 32-bit. The LiveDVD just has the program Java in it which is not really needed. If you download the LiveCD then you will need a 700MB CD-R/CD+R (doesn't matter if it is -r or +r), and a regular single layer DVD will work fine for the LiveDVD.



Download the ISO image (when you click on either the 32-bit or 64-bit it will take you to a different page where you can use the torrent or scroll down and click on the mirror link that is closest to you location).



Use a Program to burn the iso image (such as nero) if you don't have one I recommend http://infrarecorder.org/ which is Open Source (free). Download Infrarecorder and install, then start the program "Infrarecorder."



In Infrarecorder the first thing that is going to come up is a window with like 6 buttons, one labeled "write image," click it. A different window will pop up, search for the iso file, select it and click on the open button. Change the write speed to the slowest setting 1x if possible. Click OK to start the burn process.



Next if you want to test Linux Mint before completely installing over Windows, install it through windows. Double click on the CD icon in "My computer." Just follow the instructions from there.



If you choose to install completely:



Place the CD in the tray and reboot the computer, (you may need to alter your bios settings. Most newer system will allow you to hit the F12 key right when the computer reboots to load up a boot menu, if you are able to do this boot into the CD/DVD ROM. If not hit the F2 key to enter into the Bios and cycle through until you find boot properties, and make the CD/DVD ROM the primary, exit and save. Then let it boot into the CD/DVD)



This may not make sense with you reading this now but when you see it, it will make more sense.

*Select the first selection from the grub, with is boot into Linux Mint 9. Wait a while and let it load into the LiveCD.



On the Desktop you will see and Icon that is labeled Install. Double Click it and follow the instructions.



For a more advanced setup with the partitions see : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSIZT-4sdc0



If you require more assistance you can send me an email.

Answer 3

Hi. Here is a great site if you want to change from Windows to Linux.

It explains how to download it.

How to burn to Dvd/Cd and Flash drives.

Explains how to try Linux before you do an install of Linux.



I understand how hard it can be to learn something new, but this site explains it all

in easy to understand jargon.

Answer 4

you ought to use Nero or Cucusoft Mpeg/Mov/RMVB/DivX/AVI to DVD/VCD/SVCD Converter, the two one in all them can assist you to transform and burn any video record directly to VCD, DVD, SVCD, MPEG1 and MPEG2 format. wish can assist you to!

Answer 5

make sure you burn the disc in an ISO burning session as it makes the disc bootable. just copying it wont.