Hello, my old hard drive kicked the bucket not too long ago so I installed a new one. Problem is, I have no OS on it so how do I install Linux to a empty hard drive?

Thank you.

you boot the computer either with a USB or a CD/DVD containing the appropriate ISO to install your flavor of distro. you can also use a LiveCD/DVD/USB to perform the same task.

sadly that would mean you already had that on had, OR, you have local friends who can help.

you can always buy instal media as well from many distros.

i dont know if ubuntu still does this, but they used to ship instal/live media for free. hit up your local library, or use your cell phone and order something. better yet ask a mate to borrow their computer to download/burn the ISO so you can get your rig up and running.

I have access to another computer just I can't figure out how to install Linux. My computer does not recognize the programs I have on the DVD. So how should I go about installing Linux on a DVD?

More detail might help.

It's actually easier to install Linux to a blank hard drive than it is to install it to one that already has stuff on it, because you do not have to delete or resize any partitions.

The short version is to download an *.iso of the distro you want to install and burn it to a CD/DVD. Be sure to use the "burn image" tool in your burning program, which will take the *.iso and recreate the install media; don't fall into the trap I did once of just copying the *.iso to the disc; all that gives you is a copy of the *.iso file, not a functioning install disc.

Then, on the computer to which you wish to install Linux, boot to the disc (you may need to enter the BIOS or "setup" to tell the computer to boot from the CD/DVD drive before it tries to boot from the hard drive). Some computers, during initial boot, give you a dialog to "Press F[something] to choose a boot device." Others, during initial boot, give you a dialog to "Press F[something] to enter setup"; in that case, "setup" means the BIOS settings.

Once you've booted to the disk, follow the prompts to partition and format the hard drive and install the OS.

The website for the distro you wish to install should provide instructions for the install process for that particular distro.

spend $2.95 on a known good cd and pick the right f key to boot from cd. Then follow the install prompts and tell it to use the whole drive.

That was how I started till I got the hang of using computers.

Just got it working. Thanks for the help!