How to Install a New Operating System on a Computer

Time to upgrade the operating system? Want to switch from Windows to Linux? Or want to boot both operating systems at the same time? Follow the instructions below to install a brand new operating system on your computer.

Table of Contents

Specify the Operating System you want to Install

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Check system requirements. If you have decided to install a new operating system, the first thing is to determine the operating system you want to use. Each operating system has different system requirements. If you have an older computer, make sure it can handle the newer operating system.

Most Windows installations require at least 1GB RAM and 15-20GB hard drive. At the same time, the CPU must be powerful enough to run the operating system you want. Make sure your computer can meet those requirements. If not, you must install an older operating system such as Windows XP.
Linux operating systems usually do not require as much space or computer performance as Windows. Requirements depend on the distributor you choose (Ubuntu, Fedora, Mint, etc.).

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Decide to buy or download. You must purchase a Windows license. They will come with a product key for activation after installation. Most Linux operating systems are free to download and install as much as you want, although some Enterprise editions require a fee (Red Hat, SUSE, etc.).

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Software compatibility study. Make sure the operating system you want to install supports all the programs you use. If you have to use Microsoft Office to work, you cannot install this program on the Linux operating system. There are other alternative programs but will have limited functionality..

Many games run on Windows but are not compatible with Linux. The titles supported on Linux are increasing day by day, but if you are a game geek, your collection can hardly be converted to Linux smoothly.

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Find a new operating system. If you purchased Windows from a store, you will receive an installation disc with a product key. If you don’t have a disc but have a valid code, you can download a copy of the disc from the internet. If you have Linux installed, you can download the ISO from your distributor’s development site.

The ISO file is an image file that needs to be burned to a disc to be copied to a bootable USB.

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Data backup. When you install a new operating system, you will almost wipe your hard drive. That is, you will lose all the data on your computer unless you back them up. Always remember to back up important files before proceeding with the installation. Use an external hard drive or burn data to DVD.

If you install the new operating system alongside the current operating system, you will not lose any data. However, backing up important data in case it is not worth it is still a wise decision.
You cannot back up the program, you must reinstall it after installing the new operating system.

Install New Operating System

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Decide the installation order. If you install Linux operating system and want to run it side-by-side with Windows, you need to install Windows first and then install Linux. The reason is because Windows has a very strict bootloader that needs to be put in place before Linux is installed, otherwise it won’t load.

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Boot from the installation disc. Insert the disc into the drive, restart the computer. Usually the computer will boot the hard drive first, so you need to adjust some settings in the BIOS to boot from the drive. You enter the BIOS by pressing the Setup key during the boot process. The Setup key is displayed simultaneously with the manufacturer’s logo.

The Setup key is usually the F2, F10, F12 and Del/Delete keys.
After entering the Setup menu, move to the Boot section. Set up the DVD/CD drive as the first boot device. If you install from USB, plug the USB into the machine and select USB as the first boot device.
After selecting the correct drive, save changes and exit Setup. The computer will restart.

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Test Linux before installing, Linux usually comes with a copy that can be downloaded directly from the installation disc. This copy allows you to “test the hard drive” with the new operating system before proceeding with the installation. Once ready to install, click on the installer on the desktop.

This option is only available on Linux. Windows does not allow you to test the operating system before installing it.

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Wait for the Setup program to load. Whatever operating system you choose, the installation program will need to copy some files before continuing. This process may take several minutes, depending on the hardware speed of your computer.

You need to set up some basic options, such as language and keyboard interface.

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Enter the product code. If installing Windows 8, you need to enter the product key before installation. Older versions of Windows will only require input after installation is complete. Linux users do not need a product key unless purchasing the Red Hat edition.

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Select the installation type. Windows offers the option of Upgrading or performing a Custom installation. Even if you upgrade from an older version of Windows, you should choose Custom and set it up from scratch. This option will minimize problems after the conflict between the old and new installation.

If you install Linux, you are given the option of installing alongside the existing operating system (Windows) or deleting the drive and installing a new Linux. Choose the option that suits your needs. If you choose to install it in parallel with Windows, you will be able to choose the amount of hard drive you want for Linux.

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Partition format. If installing Windows, you need to select the hard drive partition to install Windows on. Deleting a partition will scan all data in that partition and return space to the Unallocated area. Select the unallocated space and create a new partition.

If installing Linux, the partition must be in Ext4 format.

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Set Linux preferences. Before installing, the Linux installer will ask for the time zone and register an account. You use the account information to log in to Linux as well as authorize system changes.

Windows users will fill in personal information after the installation is complete.

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Wait for the installation to complete. Depending on the speed of your computer, the installation process can take hours. You hardly have to interfere in this process. The computer will reboot several times during the installation process.

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Create a Windows login. After completing the Windows installation, you need to create a username. You can set a password, although it is not required. After creating your login, you are asked to enter the product key.

In Windows 8, you are required to customize the colors first. You can then choose to sign in with a Microsoft account or use a traditional Windows login.

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Install drivers and programs. After completing the installation, you log in to the new desktop. Here you can proceed with the installation of the program and do not forget to install and update the driver. Remember to install an anti-virus program if you want to connect to the internet.

Specific Operating System Settings

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Install Windows 7. Windows 7 is currently Microsoft’s most popular operating system. Refer to online tutorials for installation instructions.

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Windows 8. Windows 8 is the new operating system from Microsoft. Refer to more articles online to know how to install.

Advice

There is a trick to install Windows faster: when backing up data, do not copy (copy) but move (move) the data, then defragment the hard drive. Try doing it the night before the new operating system installation date, so the installation program can format the drive much faster. Especially when you use IDE drives over 40 gigabytes, or Serial ATA (SATA) drives over 500 gigabytes.
Some operating systems, especially Linux, have advanced settings and regular settings. If you have no knowledge of hard drive partitioning, choose automatic installation. It will automatically partition the hard drive for you.

Warning

Make sure to back everything up before installing, if you upgrade it’s not necessary. However, backing up before upgrading is also a wise choice.
Windows cannot read Linux partitions.
If you install Windows and access the network, don’t forget to install an anti-virus program.
If you switch from Windows to Linux and do not know how to use Linux, or the full installation is not correct. If your computer can boot from USB, install Linux to an external device. Or choose to boot from CD to use Linux.

Things you need

Computer
Operating system installation disc
Basic knowledge

Steps