Linux Installation Guide

Publish Date: 11 Jan 2026 Last update: 11 Jan 2026

Table of Content

Introduction
Things to know before installing Linux
1. Too many distros (OS)
2. May need to find alternative software
3. Learning Curve
4. Know the distro "Base"
Things to prepare before installing Linux
Demonstration on installing Bazzite
Conclusion

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Introduction

Wanna give Linux a try or tired of Microsoft BS? Why not give Linux a try for gaming or daily use? Thanks to the effort from valve Linux gaming has become more viable than ever. In this guide, I am going to show you how to install Linux (Bazzite) as well as some other things you should know before installing it.

Things to know before installing Linux

I am not really an expert on Linux, but below are some of the things I noticed after using Linux for a while.

1. Too many distros (OS)

There are so many Linux OS to choose from, each with different features, UI, etc. But just pick whatever you like. The distros I have used before are SteamOS, Mint, and Bazzite. I personally recommend Bazzite if you are very new to Linux, as most of the common stuffs are pre-installed already. If you need something extra, usually you just need to click a button or just type in a single command line.

2. May need to find alternative software

If this is your primary machine, make sure to thoroughly check that all the software you need to use is available on Linux. For example, Adobe software and Microsoft Office, these software don’t have a Linux Version. Else you might need to use the web version, dual boot, or alternative.

3. Learning Curve

Learning Curve for Linux depends on the distro you choose, ranging from “just work” to doing everything yourself. Moreover, it also depends on how popular the distro is, as popular = more documentation and forum discussion.

4. Know the distro “Base”

Even though there are many distros, some of them are built based on other Linux OS, for example, Bazzite is based from fedora. Therefore, when you face an issue, you can try to look it up on fedora forum too.

Things to prepare before installing Linux

Linux ISO (OS/distro that you prefer)
ISO Flash tool
- Rufus (Windows)
- Balena Etcher (Windows/Mac/Linux)
USB Drive
Wired/2.4G Mouse & Keyboard
Your phone for Wi-Fi tethering (optional)
- Since the Wi-Fi card may not be detected during installation

Demonstration on installing Bazzite

PC Spec that I am using for Demo

CPU: I5 12400F
GPU: RTX 3060 12GB MSI Aero ITX
Ram: 32 GB DDR4 3600 mhz
Motherboard: JGINYUE B760I Snow Dream V1.3
Wi-Fi Card: Intel AX210

Step 1.1: Download the Bazzite ISO from "here"

Step 1.2: Select the ISO version of Bazzite to Download

Note 1: The Nvidia version -> Nvidia version has NVIDIA proprietary drivers pre-installed.

Note 2: If using an Nvidia GPU -> Don’t pick the Steam gaming mode -> As I have experienced display issues in the Gaming mode.

Note 3: Steam gaming mode -> Meaning the PC will start right into the UI like steam deck

Step 2.1: Download Balena Etcher “here”

Step 2.2: Flash ISO to USB Drive

Note: You can use any image burner that you are comfortable with

Step 3: Plug the Flashed USB and press “Del” repeatedly on the keyboard during the startup of the PC to get into the BIOS menu -> Save & Exit after changing the boot order

Note: Impossible to cover different brands of BIOS, but most likely under the boot option

Step 4.1: Boot manual for Bazzite

Note: I have recently installed Bazzite 43, and the boot has changed a bit. The new version of the ISO will boot into a test OS instead of the picture in step 4.2.

Step 4.2: Follow the Setup from Bazzite installer

Note: If you are installing Bazzite 43 or above, it will have new UI for the installation process

Extra: USB tethering from phone. In case the Wi-Fi card is not compatible with Linux

Conclusion

It is impossible to cover all the installation steps for different distros, but it will mostly follow a similar idea shown in this guide. Welcome to Linux Penguin. Have fun.

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