Beginner's Guide installing Linux Mint 18

This is an in-depth look at installing Linux Mint and configuring it on your computer. Here's a step-by-step guide to what I cover in this video:

HOW TO INSTALL LINUX MINT 18

PREPARATION

1. Create bootable DVD or USB media.

* Download ISO image from https://linuxmint.com/
* You can burn a bootable DVD in Windows 7 and up simply by inserting a black DVD and then double clicking the ISO file.
* Creating a bootable USB drive will require you to install software. Find out more here: https://mintguide.org/tools/317-make-...

2. Boot Linux Mint 18.

* You may have to turn off Secure Boot in your computer's BIOS setting to be able to boot from A DVD or USB drive.
* Once you get Linux Mint 18 booted, take time to play around and ensure that all of you hardware is working properly.
* Check to see if you will need any proprietary drives for your system.
* Take some time to read through the Linux Mint User's Guide to familiarize yourself with the system.

3. Backup ALL Data You Wish To Keep!

* Do NOT use commercial backup software or the built in Windows backup utility. Linux Mint MUST be able to read the files you create.
* Backups MUST be stored on a USB drive or other removable media.
* It is OK to store backup data in a Zip file. Linuc Mint can open them with Archive Manager.

INSTALLATION

WARNING! Proceed at your own risk. Install Linux Mint will wipe out your current Windows installation and all data you have stored on the computer. There is no way to “un-install” Linux Mint. 
* It is a good idea to have another computer, sartphone or tablet available so you can have acess to the internet in case you need to look something up.
* Turn off Secure Boot and UEFI options in your computer's BIOS settings.
* Hook computer to the Internet with an Ethernet cable if drivers will be need to use Wi-Fi.
* Boot Linux Mint
* Use Gparted to erase the hard drive and create a new partition table.
* Launch Linux Mint's installer and follow the directions.
* You may opt to manually partition the hard drive or choose to let Linux Mint do it for you.
* Restart the computer. You are now Running Linux Mint!

POST-INSTALLATION SETUP

* Launch Update Manager and choose an update scheme.
* Install ALL updates!
* Check for and install drivers.
* Restart the computer.
* Enable Write-Behind Caching for disk drives with Disks.
* Adjust system swappiness: http://askubuntu.com/questions/103915...
* Configure the Desktop, choose startup applications, modify the MDM Login screen.
* Restart and have fun!