Getting Started With GNU and Linux

Background

GNU is an operating system. It is an alternative to Microsoft Windows and Apple Computer’s macOS. A kernel is the metaphorical spinal cord of an operating system. GNU is practical when used with a kernel called Linux. This tutorial shows you how to get started using GNU with Linux. GNU and Linux are provided together free of charge by many companies and organisations. Each of these available versions is called a distribution and has it’s own unique name. Some examples include Debian, Trisquel, and Fedora.

GNU and Linux were both initially designed as clones of the technically excellent UNIX family of operating system. GNU relied on other UNIX kernels, until Linux completed it as a practical alternative. Linux was created using GNU and was made useful to the world as a part of GNU. Operating systems that use GNU and Linux in addition to other software are known by many names. Some refer to them as GNU/Linux, or just Linux. Many have their own name, some omitting GNU and/or Linux.

For more on GNU and Linux I refer you to their websites:

Summary of Terms
Term Summary
GNU An operating system
Linux An operating system kernel
GNU/Linux GNU with specifically the Linux kernel
Linux An alternate name for GNU/Linux
Distribution A version of GNU/Linux, distributed by some organisation, company, or individual.

What You Need to Have

You will need a computer that you can install software on. It must be able to run VirtualBox. You could install GNU/Linux as the only operating system, or dual boot with your existing OS, or even buy a new machine that comes with GNU/Linux pre-installed. I will cover VirtualBox because it works well and easily on most computers.

What You Need to Do

Steps

  1. Download and install VirtualBox
  2. Download a GNU/Linux distribution
  3. Create a virtual machine
  4. Install the GNU/Linux on the VM
  5. Boot the VM

1. Download and install VirtualBox

Go to VirtualBox.org and click the Download button. On the downloads page click the VirtualBox platform package for your operating system. When the installer is downloaded, install it as you usually install software on your computer.

2. Download a GNU/Linux distribution

I recommend either Debian or Fedora. The GNU website lists some distributions that use completely free software, including all parts of the Linux kernel, but at the time of writing they are either out dated or don’t work in VirtualBox.

To download Debian go to https://www.debian.org and click on the Download Debian button.

Whichever distribution you choose, you will typically download a .iso type of file. This is an ISO standard disk image. Think of it a a virtual data disk (CD, DVD, or USB flash drive).

3. Create the Virtual Machine

Follow these steps:

  1. Open VirualBox
  2. Click New Virtual Machine
  3. Follow the steps of the wizard, except increase the memory size to at least 2GB.
  4. Select the .iso file you downloaded for your GNU/Linux of choice when asked.
  5. Select the VM that you created and click start.

This will begin the installer for your virtual machine. I will detail how this is done in Debian below. Please refer to the documentation of the distro you chose if different.

4. Install the GNU/Linux on the VM

Progress through the installation tool, selecting all the defaults except where you must enter you user name and the root user name. Here enter a username of your choice, and a long password.

5. Boot the VM

Once the installation is done it might prompt you to reboot as Debian does. You will then be in your new system!