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OS installation

BIOS setting, firmware types, BOOT configuration

Configuring the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) settings and understanding firmware types are crucial aspects of managing a computer's hardware. Below are explanations of BIOS settings, firmware types, and BOOT configuration:

BIOS Settings:​

  1. Accessing the BIOS/UEFI:

    • To access the BIOS or UEFI settings, restart your computer and press a specific key during the startup process. Common keys include Del, Esc, F2, F10, or F12. The exact key may vary depending on your computer's manufacturer.

  2. Firmware Types:

    • BIOS (Basic Input/Output System):
      • Traditional firmware used in older systems.
      • Limited in terms of functionality and modern features.
    • UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface):
      • Modern replacement for BIOS.
      • Supports 64-bit architecture, secure boot, and provides a graphical interface.
      • Allows for faster boot times and improved hardware support.

  3. BOOT Configuration:

    • Boot Order:

      • Specifies the sequence in which the computer checks different devices for the operating system.
      • Configure the boot order to prioritize the device from which you want to boot, such as the hard drive, SSD, DVD-ROM, or USB drive.

    • Secure Boot:

      • A UEFI feature that ensures the system boots with only trusted, signed operating system loaders and drivers.
      • Prevents the loading of unauthorized or malicious components during the boot process.

    • Legacy/UEFI Mode:

      • Choose between Legacy and UEFI boot modes.
      • UEFI mode is recommended for modern systems, as it supports newer features and technologies.

    • Boot from Network:

      • Enable or disable the ability to boot from a network, useful in enterprise environments.

    • Fast Boot:

      • Accelerates the boot process by skipping certain checks during startup.
      • May cause issues with accessing the BIOS/UEFI settings, so be cautious when using it.

    • Boot Override:

      • Temporarily overrides the boot order to allow booting from a different device without changing the default settings.

    • Hard Drive Priorities:

      • In some BIOS/UEFI interfaces, you can specify the priority of different hard drives if you have multiple storage devices.

Precautions:​

  1. Write Down Current Settings:

    • Before making changes, document your current BIOS settings, or take pictures, so you can revert if needed.

  2. Read the Manual:

    • Refer to your motherboard or system manual for specific instructions and details regarding BIOS/UEFI settings.

  3. Update BIOS/UEFI with Caution:

    • BIOS updates can improve system stability and compatibility. However, updating carries some risk. Follow manufacturer instructions closely, and do not interrupt the process.

  4. Secure Boot Considerations:

    • When installing or changing the operating system, ensure compatibility with Secure Boot. Some Linux distributions may require specific configurations.

  5. Password Protection:

    • Consider setting a BIOS/UEFI password to prevent unauthorized access and changes to settings.

  6. Manufacturer Recommendations:

    • Follow any specific recommendations or best practices provided by your computer or motherboard manufacturer.

Hard disc partitioning

Partitioning a hard drive involves dividing it into multiple logical storage units. Each partition is treated as a separate drive by the operating system. Proper partitioning is essential for organizing data, installing operating systems, and managing storage effectively. Below are the general steps for hard disk partitioning:

Using Windows Disk Management:​

1. Open Disk Management:

  • Press Win + X and choose "Disk Management" from the menu.

2. Locate the Disk:

  • Find the disk you want to partition in the lower section of the Disk Management window.

3. Shrink Existing Partition:

  • To create a new partition, right-click on an existing partition, usually the C: drive, and choose "Shrink Volume."
  • Enter the amount of space to shrink, which will become unallocated space.

4. Create New Partition:

  • Right-click on the unallocated space and select "New Simple Volume."
  • Follow the wizard, specifying the size and assigning a drive letter or mount point.

5. Format the Partition:

  • After creating the partition, right-click on it and choose "Format" to make it usable. Choose the file system (usually NTFS) and allocation unit size.

6. Assign a Drive Letter:

  • Assign a drive letter to the new partition, making it accessible in File Explorer.

Using Command Prompt (Diskpart):​

1. Open Command Prompt:

  • Press Win + X and choose "Command Prompt (Admin)" or "PowerShell (Admin)."

2. Launch Diskpart:

  • Type diskpart and press Enter.

3. List Disks:

  • Type list disk to display a list of available disks.

4. Select Disk:

  • Type select disk X (replace X with the disk number you want to partition).

5. Create Partition:

  • Type create partition primary size=XXXX (replace XXXX with the size in megabytes).

6. Format the Partition:

  • Type format fs=ntfs quick to format the partition quickly with NTFS.

7. Assign a Drive Letter:

  • Type assign letter=X (replace X with the desired drive letter).

8. Exit Diskpart:

  • Type exit to leave the Diskpart utility.

Using Third-Party Software:​

Alternatively, you can use third-party partitioning tools like EaseUS Partition Master, MiniTool Partition Wizard, or GParted for more advanced partitioning tasks, such as resizing, merging, or converting partitions.

Tips and Considerations:​

  • Backup Data:

    • Before making changes, especially if resizing or deleting partitions, back up important data to prevent data loss.

  • System Partition:

    • Be cautious when modifying the system partition (usually C: drive). Resizing or deleting it may affect the operating system.

  • File System:

    • NTFS is the most commonly used file system for Windows. Choose the appropriate file system based on your needs.

  • Primary and Logical Partitions:

    • On an MBR disk, you can have up to four primary partitions or three primary partitions and one extended partition with multiple logical partitions inside.

  • UEFI/GPT:

    • If your system uses UEFI, consider using the GPT partition style for better compatibility and support for larger disks.

Creating bootable USB drive

Creating a bootable USB drive is a common and useful process, especially when installing or repairing an operating system. Here are the general steps to make a bootable USB drive:

Requirements:​

  1. A USB flash drive with sufficient storage capacity (at least 8GB is recommended).
  2. A computer with internet access.
  3. An ISO file of the operating system you want to install or use.

Steps to Create a Bootable USB Drive:​

Using Windows:​

1. Download Rufus:

  • Download and install Rufus, a free and open-source tool for creating bootable USB drives: Rufus Official Website.

2. Insert USB Drive:

  • Insert your USB flash drive into a USB port on your computer.

3. Open Rufus:

  • Run Rufus. You might need administrator privileges.

4. Configure Rufus:

  • In Rufus, select your USB drive under "Device."
  • Under "Boot selection," click on "Select" and choose the ISO file of the operating system.

5. Partition Scheme and File System:

  • Choose the appropriate partition scheme (usually GPT for UEFI or MBR for BIOS) and file system (NTFS or FAT32).

6. Start the Process:

  • Click on "Start" to begin the process. Rufus will display a warning that all data on the USB drive will be destroyed. Ensure you've backed up any important data from the USB drive.

7. Create Bootable USB:

  • Rufus will format the USB drive and copy the contents of the ISO file, making it bootable. The process may take some time.

8. Completion:

  • Once Rufus indicates that the process is complete, you can close the program.

Using BalenaEtcher:​

1. Download BalenaEtcher:

2. Insert USB Drive:

  • Insert your USB flash drive into a USB port on your computer.

3. Open BalenaEtcher:

  • Run BalenaEtcher.

4. Select Image:

  • Click on "Flash from file" and select the ISO file of the operating system.

5. Select Target:

  • Choose your USB drive under "Select target."

6. Flash:

  • Click on "Flash" to begin the process. BalenaEtcher will format the USB drive and write the contents of the ISO file.

7. Completion:

  • Once the process is complete, BalenaEtcher will display a success message.

Notes:​

  • Backup Data:

    • Creating a bootable USB drive will erase all data on the USB drive. Ensure you've backed up any important files.

  • BIOS/UEFI:

    • The partition scheme (GPT or MBR) and file system (NTFS or FAT32) depend on whether your system uses UEFI or BIOS. Check your system specifications or consult your motherboard manual.

  • Secure Boot:

    • If installing Windows in UEFI mode, you may need to disable Secure Boot in the BIOS/UEFI settings.

Laptop/Desktop OS Installation Windows

Installing the Windows operating system on a laptop or desktop involves several steps. Here are the general steps for installing Windows:

Requirements:

  • A Windows installation USB/DVD.
  • A valid Windows product key.
  • Backup of important data (if needed).

For both Desktop and Laptop:

1. Prepare Installation Media:

  • Download the Windows ISO file from the official Microsoft website and create a bootable USB drive using a tool like Rufus or the Media Creation Tool.

2. BIOS/UEFI Settings:

  • Access the BIOS or UEFI settings on your computer by pressing a specific key during startup (common keys include F2, F10, or Del).
  • Set the boot priority to USB or DVD, depending on your installation media.

3. Start the Installation:

  • Insert the bootable USB/DVD into the appropriate port.
  • Restart the computer and boot from the installation media.

4. Windows Setup:

  • The Windows setup will begin. Choose your language, time format, and keyboard input.

5. Install Now:

  • Click "Install Now" to begin the installation process.

6. Enter Product Key:

  • Enter your valid Windows product key when prompted.

7. License Terms:

  • Read and accept the license terms.

8. Choose Installation Type:

  • Select the installation type:
    • Upgrade: If you're upgrading from an older version of Windows.
    • Custom: For a clean installation. Choose the drive where you want to install Windows.

9. Partitioning:

  • If doing a custom installation, create, delete, and format partitions as needed. Follow on-screen instructions.

10. Installing Windows:

  • The installation process will begin, and your computer will restart several times.

11. Set Up:

  • After installation, follow on-screen prompts to personalize your settings, create user accounts, and choose privacy options.

12. Install Drivers:

  • Install drivers for your hardware components, such as graphics, sound, and network drivers. Use the drivers provided by your computer or hardware manufacturer.

13. Windows Updates:

  • Check for and install Windows updates to ensure your system is up to date.

14. Install Software:

  • Install additional software and applications as needed.

15. Activate Windows:

  • Activate Windows online using your product key.

16. Security Software:

  • Install antivirus and other security software for protection.

17. Restore Data:

  • Restore your backed-up data if you made a backup earlier.

18. Customize Settings:

  • Customize additional settings according to your preferences.

Laptop/Desktop OS Installation Linux

Installing Linux alongside an existing operating system (dual-booting) on a laptop or desktop involves a few steps. Here, I'll provide a general guide for installing Linux alongside Windows, assuming you already have Windows installed. The specific steps may vary depending on the Linux distribution you choose.

Prerequisites:​

  1. Backup Your Data:

    • Before proceeding, back up important data to prevent any accidental data loss.

  2. Create a Linux Bootable USB:

    • Download the ISO file of the Linux distribution you want to install (e.g., Ubuntu, Fedora).
    • Create a bootable USB drive using tools like Rufus, BalenaEtcher, or UNetbootin.

Dual Boot Installation Steps:​

1. Boot from the Linux USB Drive:​

  • Insert the bootable USB drive into a USB port.
  • Restart your computer and enter the BIOS/UEFI settings (usually by pressing a key like F2, Del, or Esc during startup).
  • Set the USB drive as the first boot device.
  • Save changes and exit to boot from the USB drive.

2. Start the Linux Installation:​

  • Once booted from the USB, you will see the Linux distribution's live environment.
  • Select the option to install Linux.

3. Choose Installation Type:​

  • During the installation process, you will be prompted to choose the installation type.
  • Select "Install alongside Windows" or a similar option.

4. Allocate Disk Space:​

  • Choose the amount of disk space you want to allocate to Linux. The installer will typically suggest a partition size, but you can adjust it according to your needs.

5. Create Partitions:​

  • The installer will create partitions for Linux. It often includes a root partition ("/") and, optionally, a swap partition.
  • Confirm the changes, and the installer will proceed with the installation.

6. Select Location and Keyboard Layout:​

  • Choose your timezone and keyboard layout.

7. User Account Setup:​

  • Create a user account and set a password.

8. Grub Boot Loader:​

  • The installer will install the Grub boot loader, which allows you to choose between Linux and Windows at startup.

9. Complete Installation:​

  • Allow the installation process to complete.
  • Once done, restart your computer, and you should see the Grub menu with options for both Linux and Windows.

Notes and Tips:​

  • Grub Boot Loader:

    • Grub will allow you to choose the operating system at startup. If it doesn't appear, you may need to configure the boot order in the BIOS/UEFI settings.

  • Backup Important Data:

    • Before partitioning, ensure you have a backup of important data.

  • Secure Boot:

    • If you face boot issues, check your system's UEFI settings. Disabling Secure Boot may be necessary for some Linux distributions.

  • Linux Distribution Specifics:

    • Some Linux distributions may have unique installation steps or tools. Refer to the documentation of the specific distribution you're installing.