PLUG / Online over Zoom
Join us on Zoom and set up your first Linux desktop from home. One small step at a time.
Linux is another way to run a computer, like Windows or macOS. We’ll put it inside an app called VirtualBox. Think of it as a practice computer in a window. Your usual computer stays underneath.
Let’s get ready01 / Before you start
Do these little jobs before we meet so we can spend the call learning together. Tick each box when you’re ready. These are just reminders for this visit; refreshing the page starts a fresh checklist.
Two desktops and Zoom will share one computer. Aim for 16 GB of memory if you can, and leave room for Zoom to keep running. These are our workshop targets, not the smallest numbers every Linux version can run on.
| Part | Your real computer | The Linux practice computer |
|---|---|---|
| Memory / RAM Your working desk | 8 GB for a modest Mint setup; 16 GB or more is more comfortable and recommended for Ubuntu. | 4 GB for Mint; 6–8 GB for Ubuntu; 4–6 GB for Fedora. Leave at least half for your real computer. |
| Processor / CPU The thinking part | A modern 64-bit Intel or AMD processor; 4 or more cores or logical processors is a useful target. | Start with 2 virtual processors. Do not give Linux all the available processors. |
| Free storage Your filing cabinet | At least 60 GB free for the download, virtual disk, and some breathing room. An SSD makes things feel faster. | A 40 GB virtual disk that grows as needed. Extra saved copies, called snapshots, need more space. |
| Virtualization The computer-inside-a-computer switch | Intel VT-x or AMD-V enabled for Intel/AMD machines. | If VirtualBox says this is missing, ask a helper to check your computer’s startup settings. |
Only 4 GB of total memory, or very little free space? Join Zoom to watch, and ask the host about a setup that fits your computer. Close extra apps, but keep Zoom open. Check your chosen distro’s download page for its current requirements.
02 / Make a place for Linux
VirtualBox is the app that holds your practice computer. “Host” means your real computer. “Guest” means the Linux computer inside it.
If a screen looks different, use Oracle’s installation instructions with a helper. Don’t turn off your computer’s security settings just to make an error disappear.
03 / Choose your flavor
A “distro” is Linux bundled with a desktop and useful apps. Think of different lunchboxes: a different look, with the basics inside. You only need one today.
A friendly first choice
A familiar desktop with an app menu and a bottom bar. A good place to start if you have used Windows.
Suggested VM memory: 4 GB
Choose the Cinnamon edition. For a lighter desktop, choose Xfce on the same page.
Lots of learning help
A popular Linux desktop with plenty of beginner guides. LTS means it gets updates for a long time.
Suggested VM memory: 6–8 GB
Choose Desktop and the LTS release. Use a computer with at least 16 GB of total memory for this setup.
A fresh, simple desktop
A clean workspace for everyday apps and learning. A good choice if you want to explore a different Linux family.
Suggested VM memory: 4–6 GB
Choose the Workstation live ISO. “Live” means you can look around before installing.
For an Intel or AMD computer, choose 64-bit, x86_64, or amd64. Those names mean the same chip family here; “amd64” works on Intel too. Pick a desktop ISO, not a server image. An ISO is one file holding the install disc. Save it; don’t unzip it or copy it onto a USB stick for this lesson.
Let the download finish. If the site offers a checksum, it is like a fingerprint for the file. Ask a helper to compare it using the distro’s verification guide so you know the download arrived correctly.
Meet us online
Use the meeting link from the event organizer to join. If you don’t have it, ask the organizer before the event. The test meeting below is only for checking your setup; it is not the install fest.
If your computer struggles with Zoom and Linux together, you can join Zoom on a phone or tablet and use the computer for Linux. Use sound on only one device to avoid echo. To show your VirtualBox window, you’ll need to join from the computer too.
04 / Build your practice computer
During the Zoom session, follow these steps with the host. They work the same basic way across many desktop distros. Button names and the order of questions may change. Ask in chat or use your distro’s linked guide if your screen differs.
Stay inside VirtualBox. This guide uses a new virtual disk. Installing directly onto your real computer or setting up dual boot needs a different plan with a helper.
Open VirtualBox and click New. Call it “My Linux”. Pick the .iso file you downloaded. If asked, choose Linux and the matching distro. Choose “Skip Unattended Installation”, or turn off “Unattended Installation”, so you can follow the installer yourself.
Memory (RAM) is like desk space. Start with the amount on your distro card: 4096 MB means 4 GB, and 6144 MB means 6 GB. Give it 2 virtual processors if your computer has at least 4 available. Stay in the green area and leave at least half your memory and processors for your usual computer.
Choose “Create a new virtual hard disk”. Pick VDI if asked, and set its size to 40 GB. Use “Dynamically allocated”, or leave “Pre-allocate Full Size” off. This makes a file that grows as Linux adds things, up to 40 GB. It still needs real free space on your computer. Keep the other defaults and click Finish.
Select “My Linux” and click Start. If asked for a startup disk, pick your .iso file. Choose “Try or Install”, “Start Linux”, or the similar option you see. You may land on a desktop first; open its “Install” icon. Keep this guide open outside the Linux window.
Pick your language and keyboard. Try typing in the keyboard test box. Choose your time zone. Keep the normal or default app selection. The virtual computer usually borrows your internet connection automatically; you do not need to set up its own Wi-Fi.
Choose the automatic option, such as “Erase disk and install” or “Use entire disk”, only inside your new VirtualBox window. Check that the selected disk is the 40 GB virtual disk you just made. This replaces what is on that pretend disk. If you see your real files, a different disk, or you are outside VirtualBox, stop and ask a helper before continuing.
Enter your name, a simple computer name, a username, and a password you can remember. This password is for Linux; it can be different from your usual computer password. Some distros ask after the first restart. Check the final summary, click Install, and let it finish.
Click Restart when asked. If Linux asks you to remove installation media, use the VirtualBox window’s Devices → Optical Drives → Remove disk from virtual drive, then press Enter. The ISO is like a DVD you no longer need in the drive. If the installer starts again, shut down the virtual machine and remove the ISO from its Storage settings, then start it again.
Log in. Open the browser and visit a website. Open the app called Software, Update Manager, or Software Updater, and install the offered updates. Restart Linux if asked. To finish for the day, use the Linux menu’s Shut Down option. Next time, open VirtualBox, select “My Linux”, and click Start.
If you can log in, browse the web, and find your apps, you’re ready to practice.
It’s okay to ask
Press the “Host key” shown at the bottom of the VirtualBox window. This lets your mouse out. It is often the right Ctrl key on Windows or Linux, and the left Command key on a Mac.
Close extra apps on your real computer. Shut Linux down before changing its memory or processor settings, and keep at least half for your real computer. For a tiny screen, try Linux’s Display settings. A helper can also install VirtualBox Guest Additions: little tools that help the guest fit its window.
Shut down the virtual machine. Before installation, check that its Storage settings have your downloaded ISO in the optical drive. After installation, it should start from its virtual hard disk. Check that your ISO matches your processor type. For a VT-x or AMD-V message, ask a helper to check virtualization settings.
First check that your usual computer can open a website. Shut down Linux, then check VirtualBox Settings → Network. Adapter 1 should be enabled, attached to NAT, and have “Cable Connected” checked. NAT means Linux borrows your computer’s connection. Start Linux again.
Pause and ask in the Zoom chat, especially on a screen about disks or erasing things. Tell the host which step you reached and the exact message you see. After the call, you can also ask in the PLUG community.