How to install linux :A Complete Beginner’s Guide
The good news? It's not rocket science. In fact, once you get the hang of it, installing Linux becomes second nature. Just follow this guide — step-by-step, no assumptions, no skipped steps.
This walkthrough is crafted for absolute beginners, independent learners, and curious tinkerers who want to build their system from scratch. We’re going to dive into the details — from downloading your ISO to setting up a fully functioning OS. We're covering full installation here; if you're looking for dual-booting or live booting, hold tight — that's a topic for another post.
🔍 Why Kali Linux and Ubuntu?
Before diving into the how, let’s take a moment to understand the what and why.
Kali Linux: The Ethical Hacker's Battlefield:
Kali Linux isn’t just an operating system — it’s an arsenal. Designed specifically for penetration testing, ethical hacking, and cybersecurity research, Kali comes preloaded with over 100 powerful tools. From Nmap for network mapping to Wireshark for packet analysis, Metasploit for exploitation, and Aircrack-ng for Wi-Fi hacking — it’s a complete toolkit in a box.
But make no mistake: Kali isn’t your daily-driver OS. You don’t boot it up to stream YouTube or write your grocery list. It’s built for controlled, deliberate, security-focused use.
Ubuntu: The Smooth and Stable Workhorse:
In contrast, Ubuntu is like a well-polished Swiss Army knife. Developed by Canonical, it’s one of the most widely adopted Linux distributions for desktop users. It’s intuitive, stable, and perfect for just about anything — from writing code and editing videos to gaming and general-purpose computing.
If you're new to Linux and want something functional, fast, and friendly, Ubuntu is the go-to. It just works.
So now that you’ve got a clearer picture of both, you’ve probably made your choice. Let’s move on to the practical part.🛠️ What You’ll Need Before We Begin
Here’s what you need to gather before the magic begins:
✅ Item 📋 Description
ISO File Downloaded from the official Ubuntu/Kali website
USB Drive Minimum 8 GB (empty & formatted)
Bootable USB Tool Rufus (for Windows), Balena Etcher (for Mac/Linux)
Internet Connection To download ISO and essential updates
Target Computer A PC or laptop for the installation
🔽 Step 1: Download the ISO File
Let’s start with the foundation — downloading the ISO. This is the installation image of your chosen Linux distro.
📥 Kali Linux:
Visit: https://www.kali.org/get-kali/
Select the Installer ISO (this is for full installation, not Live boot).
If you’re extra cautious, verify the SHA256 checksum to make sure the file wasn’t corrupted or tampered with.
📥 Ubuntu:
Go to: https://ubuntu.com/download/desktop
Choose the latest LTS version (e.g., Ubuntu 24.04 LTS — “Long-Term Support” means stability and extended updates).
Download the .iso file — this is your digital master copy.
🔧 Step 2: Flash the ISO to a USB (Bootable USB Drive)
You’ve got the ISO — now it needs a home. We’re going to flash it to your USB drive, turning it into a bootable installer.
💻 On Windows — Use Rufus:
Download Rufus from https://rufus.ie/
Plug in your USB drive (8 GB minimum)
Open Rufus → Select your ISO file
Choose Partition Scheme:
To check if your system uses UEFI or Legacy BIOS, press Windows Key + R, type msinfo32, and hit Enter.
Look for “BIOS Mode”: If it says “UEFI,” use GPT in Rufus. If it says “Legacy,” use MBR.
Hit Start — Rufus will do the rest.
🍏 On macOS or Linux — Use Balena Etcher:
Download it from https://balena.io/etcher/
Launch Etcher → Select ISO → Choose USB → Click Flash
Wait until it completes the flashing process
🔐 Pro Tip: Always safely eject your USB after flashing. Corrupting the boot sectors can render the drive unusable.
🔄 Step 3: Boot Into the Installer
It’s time to boot from the USB you just created.
Insert the bootable USB into your PC or laptop.
Restart the system.
Enter the BIOS/UEFI settings — usually by pressing DEL, F2, or F12 right as your system powers on.
Navigate to the Boot Order section and set the USB as the first boot device
Save and exit.
Now your system should launch straight into the Kali or Ubuntu installation screen. Let’s break them down one at a time.
🧱 Step 4: Installing Kali Linux — The Hacker’s Way
You’ll land on the Kali Installer Menu. Choose:
Graphical install (Recommended)
Configure Settings
Language: English (or your preferred)
Location: Used for timezone
Keyboard: Choose your layout
🌐 Network Setup
If you're on Wi-Fi or Ethernet, Kali will try to auto-connect.
Choose a hostname (e.g., kali-machine)
You can skip domain name unless needed
👤 Create Your User
Full name: e.g., John Doe
Username: e.g., john
Choose a strong password — you’ll need this often
💾 Partitioning the Disk
Guided – Use Entire Disk is the easiest route (clears the whole drive)
Choose “All files in one partition” — simpler for new users
📦 Package Manager
Choose to use a network mirror for updated packages
🧭 Install GRUB Bootloader
Yes, install GRUB
Choose your main drive (like /dev/sda) when asked
✅ Reboot
Remove USB
Kali Linux will now boot into your brand-new setup
Congratulations! You are in — Welcome to the world of CyberSecurity
🧱 Step 5: Installing Ubuntu — Your Daily Driver
Ubuntu’s installer is a delight — clean, modern, and friendly.
🖥️ Welcome Screen
Click Install Ubuntu
⌨️ Keyboard Layout
Choose manually or let Ubuntu detect it
🛠️ Installation Options
Select Normal Installation
Enable “Install third-party software” — especially helpful for Wi-Fi and proprietary drivers
💽 Disk Setup
Choose what fits:
Erase disk and install Ubuntu (wipes everything)
Install alongside Windows (for dual-boot)
Something else (manual partitioning)
🌍 Timezone and User Info
Pick your region
Create your user account (name, username, password)
🧭 Sit Back — Let It Install
Ubuntu will copy files, configure packages, and get your system ready
This usually takes 10–20 minutes
✅ Reboot
Remove the USB and let your new system start
You’re in Ubuntu — the future feels fast already!
🚀 Step 6: First Boot — What to Do Next?
🔐 For Kali Linux:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
Explore the hundreds of tools via the Kali menu
Reminder: Kali is a professional toolkit, not a daily-use OS
🧰 For Ubuntu:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
Install useful apps:
sudo snap install code vlc chromium
Tweak UI with GNOME Tweaks
Secure your system:
sudo ufw enable
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
❔ Can I dual-boot Ubuntu and Kali Linux?
Yes, you can — but it requires more advanced manual partitioning and GRUB configuration. Beginners should proceed with caution.
❔ Is Kali Linux safe?
Kali is safe if you know what you're doing. It gives root access and powerful tools that can damage systems if misused.
❔ Which one is better for beginners?
Ubuntu — no debate. Kali is designed for trained professionals and specific use-cases.
Conclusion
Installing Linux isn’t just switching systems — it’s stepping into an entirely new way of computing. It’s about freedom, control, and endless learning.Ubuntu lets you create, build, and explore.Kali teaches you to defend, test, and hack (ethically, of course).No matter which one you choose, you're no longer just a user. You're now in control.
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