I have been wanting to make the switch for years, but honestly, I was one of those ignoramuses that believed Linux would fell more like MS-DOS than windows and it seemed overwhelming. I am by no means ignorant to computer usage in general and have built and fixed/troubleshooted a lot of computers over the years. That being said, I am very analytical and have spent about 6 months researching alternative options to the world of big brother. However, I am still apprehensive about how to begin. I think I have overthought this by miles.
To my question:
I want to run Linux as a stand alone OS while possibly running VM's and live boots to access Tor. I have a specific interest in the scientific and medical data available on the deep web. I am installing on a Desktop within the top 10% of standard commercial users. I do want to save files from windows first. I bought a new external hard drive to store my files on and save Linux installer to. I was thinking I would start with Ubuntu do to popularity, support available, and seeming ease of use. I am open to other suggestions for a first timer.
Question 1) Do I need to reformat the new drive to exFAT or in general first?
Question 2) Can I temporarily save my files on the same hard drive that I will be putting the installer on? (All of my hard drives and thumb disks are currently in another state, while I am visiting my son. I do not want to spend more money on something I have plenty of.)
Question 3) (I know I have found it before, but I want to do it now and am tired of thinking ATM. lol) Are there step by step Instructions for exactly what to download and how to go from basic install to completed product that is ready to do all of the other things I want to do?
To my question:
I want to run Linux as a stand alone OS while possibly running VM's and live boots to access Tor. I have a specific interest in the scientific and medical data available on the deep web. I am installing on a Desktop within the top 10% of standard commercial users. I do want to save files from windows first. I bought a new external hard drive to store my files on and save Linux installer to. I was thinking I would start with Ubuntu do to popularity, support available, and seeming ease of use. I am open to other suggestions for a first timer.
Question 1) Do I need to reformat the new drive to exFAT or in general first?
Question 2) Can I temporarily save my files on the same hard drive that I will be putting the installer on? (All of my hard drives and thumb disks are currently in another state, while I am visiting my son. I do not want to spend more money on something I have plenty of.)
Question 3) (I know I have found it before, but I want to do it now and am tired of thinking ATM. lol) Are there step by step Instructions for exactly what to download and how to go from basic install to completed product that is ready to do all of the other things I want to do?
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