I plan to buy a new laptop and install Linux mint. How do I get started and how do I choose which laptop to buy? What is the best way to put Linux on a laptop that already has windows on it. (I have been told that all laptops in the uk have windows already installed. Is this true?) I would like a computer that runs well but do not need masses of space.

Welcome to the Linux community.

Not every computer comes with Windows preloaded. While it is true most notebooks do there are a few companies out there that offer preinstalled Linux systems, maybe worth looking into.
http://linuxpreloaded.com/ lists some companies that sell preinstalled Linux systems.

Choosing a notebook to work with Linux can be hard. Some hardware is quite difficult to get working while some works out of the box with ease. I have found most Intel based systems to work fairly well. Nvidia graphics to be easy to get working if not somewhat less polished and AMD to be either work great or to not output video correctly at all.

One option might be to get a bootable Linux DVD or USB drive and live boot a laptop on display in a store, if the sales people are okay with it, that will let you see if the hardware is supported and give you a general idea on how it will run.

Finally, if you do get a computer that comes with Windows, before doing anything create the restore CDs/DVDs if it doesn't come with any. This way you can restore the system to factory if something goes wrong (or if you need to return the system due to incompatibility with Linux). Next install Linux, this can be done side by side with Windows (normally it will shrink the Windows partitions) or just wipe out Windows all together.

Linux can be really frustrating at first but once you get used to it Linux (POSIX systems in general) can be very powerful and rewarding to work with, I hope you have fun.

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This has to be your first post!

Looks to me that efi is an issue, but there are work-arounds with linux that appear to work.

I'm no expert on efi, but read regularly and most difficulties are becuse of non config.

Hi Lalitya, fellow newbie. I found a builder (DELL) that offered a box of linux certified hardware and bought it with that M$ OS for productivity. Then a couple of weeks ago I gathered up my courage and installed a new HDD and a linux OS. I'm sorry it took me so long to change. Best wishes.

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If you don't mind waiting for a system to be shipped to you, don't hesitate to check out the System76 computers. It will come pre-loaded with Ubuntu. but it's perfectly easy to replace that with Mint. Good luck!

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