How TO install Linux OS

Installing Linux is not a difficult job yet it requires some basic level knowwledge about computers and Linux.Once the computer satisfies all the hardware and the software requirements,the installation program can eventually start.
Mostly,you simply follow the instructions,scene by scene.You have to answer either yes or no(most cases) for most queries.Now lets see the hardware requirements

Hardware Requirements(minimal)

1. A 32-bit intel based or a compatible PC
2. A minimum 64MB RAM (few linux distros can run in 12 mb RAM )
3. A 2GB free hard disk space is suitable for most distros for standard installation.
4. Swap space is usually twice or same as that of RAM memory,that is,1GB swap space is allotted for 512 MB RAM.
5. CD-ROM drive and a 3 ½ floppy drive.(floppy drive is optional)

Other Requirements:

1.The drivers for every device has to be downloaded/acquired for the particular linux
Distro.
2. The drivers should be compatible with the distro.
3. The informations on ur mouse,CD-ROM,hard disk,video cards if any,monitors and
network configuration informations have to be known.
4. After knowing all the details,we can start the installation process.

Installing Linux

Linux distro comes in the form of CD/DVDs.They are mostly bootable.So,after inserting the CD/DVD,the system has to be restarted. The system must be enabled to boot from CD.If not,check ur BIOS settings and correct it accordingly.

You can install linux either in GUI or in text mode..The first step is to select partitions.These two partitions must be created i) / partition ii) swap partition
You can also create partitions like /home, /var etc..Another partition, /boot is usually created when / and swap partitions are created.You can create partitions even after installation but mainly these two partitions has to be created first.

Next comes the bootloader configuration screen.Here,the bootloader to be used is selected.You can also use the existing bootloader if u have multiple OS in ur system.
The most widely used bootloader for linux is GRUB bootloader.Then the required softwares has to be selected for installation..Informations like your country,time ,username and password has to be filled in..Network configuration and keyboard language selections have to be done..A final screen would request for reboot to clear all the selections made.If you press next button,then system starts formatting the partitions and installs the linux OS and the selected applications.