The Joy of Installation

[raymac46]

I did a couple of installs the other day - Ubuntu 17.10 and Debian Stretch (net install.) I was struck by how things have changed since I started installing Linux 10+ years ago.

 

Then:

• Download an ISO (CD) over a slow and sometimes glitchy Internet connection.
  
• Burn ISO to a CD at the slowest speed you can. You don't want a coaster.
  
• Boot Live CD from your optical drive.
  
• Install the system from the CD onto a slow PATA hard drive.
  
• Reboot into your new O/S
  
• Update over the slow and glitchy Internet connection.
  
• Total time - a couple of hours if all goes well.
  

Now:

• Download ISO over a fast and stable internet connection.
  
• Transfer ISO to a flashdrive.
  
• Boot Live CD from flashdrive, or set up a net install from a small ISO image.
  
• Install the system onto a fast SATA or NVME SSD.
  
• Reboot.
  
• Update over fast and stable Internet connection.
  
• Total time - about 30 minutes.
  

Sure a lot of the improvement has come from better hardware but it sure is a lot easier and faster.

[jolphil]

You are on point raymac46. Your post reminded me several years ago of doing a net install for SuSe. I thought at the time that it was the zenith of installs.Recently I did a Mageia flash drive net install. Wow!! So quick and painless.Yes times have changed..

jolphil

[Hedon James]

But, but, but....using Linux is difficult!

[raymac46]

I would imagine installing Linux in a dual boot is still tricky for a new user, but if you have a dedicated machine it doesn't get much easier than an Ubuntu install from a live ISO.