IntroToLinux

Downloads and Software Requirements

📥 Required Software Downloads

This page contains all the software and tools you’ll need for the Introduction to Linux course.

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🐧 Linux Distribution (Install Both!)

### Distro 1: AlmaLinux 10.1 **Download Link:** ``` https://ftp.belnet.be/mirror/almalinux/10.1/isos/x86_64/AlmaLinux-10-latest-x86_64-minimal.iso ``` or Alma Official site: ``` https://repo.almalinux.org/almalinux/10/isos/x86_64/AlmaLinux-10.1-x86_64-minimal.iso ``` **Why AlmaLinux?** - 🏢 Enterprise-grade Linux distribution - 🔒 Stable and secure - 📚 Similar to Red Hat Enterprise Linux - �� Widely used in professional environments

### Distro 2: Ubuntu 24.04.3 LTS **Download Link:** ``` https://ftp.belnet.be/mirror/ubuntu-releases/24.04.3/ubuntu-24.04.3-desktop-amd64.iso ``` or Ubuntu Official site: ``` https://releases.ubuntu.com/24.04.3/ubuntu-24.04.3-desktop-amd64.iso ``` **Why Ubuntu?** - 🎯 User-friendly for beginners - 🌍 Large community support - 📦 Extensive package repository - 🖥️ Desktop environment included

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💻 Virtualization Software

Choose the appropriate virtualization software based on your host operating system:

For macOS Users 🍎

Software	Compatibility	License	Download Link
UTM	M1/M2/Intel	Free	https://mac.getutm.app
QEMU	M1/M2/Intel	Free	https://www.qemu.org/
VirtualBox	Intel only	Free	https://www.virtualbox.org/
VMWare Fusion	Both	Paid	https://www.vmware.com/go/downloadplayer

Recommended:

• 🍎 Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3): UTM or QEMU
• ⚡ Intel Macs: VirtualBox or UTM

For Windows Users 🪟

Software	Type	License	Download Link
WSL2	Subsystem	Free	Built into Windows 10/11
VirtualBox	VM	Free	https://www.virtualbox.org/
VMWare Workstation Player	VM	Free	https://www.vmware.com/go/downloadplayer
QEMU	VM	Free	https://www.qemu.org/

Recommended:

• 🚀 Easiest: WSL2 (Windows Subsystem for Linux)
• 💻 Full VM: VirtualBox or VMWare

For Linux Users 🐧

Software	Type	Installation
Native	Direct install	Recommended - best performance
QEMU/KVM	VM	apt install qemu-kvm or dnf install qemu-kvm
VirtualBox	VM	https://www.virtualbox.org/

Recommended:

• 🏆 Best option: Dual boot or dedicated Linux machine
• 🔧 Alternative: QEMU/KVM for virtualization

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🔧 Installation Guides

Installing WSL2 on Windows

Quick Installation (Windows 10 version 2004+ or Windows 11):

wsl --install

Manual Installation:

1. Open PowerShell as Administrator
2. Enable WSL:

   dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:Microsoft-Windows-Subsystem-Linux /all /norestart
   

3. Enable Virtual Machine Platform:

   dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:VirtualMachinePlatform /all /norestart
   

4. Restart your computer
5. Download and install the WSL2 Linux kernel update
6. Set WSL2 as default:

   wsl --set-default-version 2
   

Or from Microsoft Store:

• Windows Subsystem for Linux

Installing VirtualBox

1. Download VirtualBox for your OS
2. Run the installer
3. Follow the installation wizard
4. Install the Extension Pack (optional but recommended)

Installing UTM (macOS)

1. Visit https://mac.getutm.app
2. Download UTM
3. Open the DMG file
4. Drag UTM to Applications folder
5. Launch UTM and create a new virtual machine

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📋 Installation Checklist

Before starting the course, ensure you have:

• 📥 Downloaded Linux ISO (AlmaLinux or Ubuntu)
• 💻 Installed virtualization software (if not using native Linux)
• ✅ Created and tested a virtual machine
• 🔧 Verified you can boot into Linux
• 🌐 Confirmed network connectivity in VM
• 📝 Taken a snapshot of fresh installation (recommended)

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🆘 Troubleshooting

Common Issues

VirtualBox won’t start VM:

• ✅ Enable virtualization (VT-x/AMD-V) in BIOS
• ✅ Disable Hyper-V on Windows
• ✅ Check if another hypervisor is running

UTM slow performance:

• ✅ Allocate more RAM to VM (4GB minimum recommended)
• ✅ Enable hardware acceleration
• ✅ Use QEMU backend instead of Apple Virtualization

WSL2 installation fails:

• ✅ Update Windows to latest version
• ✅ Enable virtualization in BIOS
• ✅ Run PowerShell as Administrator

Network issues in VM:

• ✅ Check VM network settings (NAT or Bridged)
• ✅ Verify host has internet connection
• ✅ Restart the VM

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💡 Additional Resources

Optional Tools

• 📝 Text Editor: Visual Studio Code (https://code.visualstudio.com/)
• 🔧 SSH Client: Built into most systems, or use PuTTY for Windows
• 📊 Terminal: Windows Terminal for Windows users (https://apps.microsoft.com/store/detail/windows-terminal/)

Documentation Links

• AlmaLinux Docs: https://wiki.almalinux.org/
• Ubuntu Docs: https://help.ubuntu.com/
• WSL Documentation: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wsl/

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⚠️ Important Notes

💾 Backup Reminder: Always create snapshots of your VM before major changes!

⏰ Install Early: Don’t wait until the last minute. Install and test your setup well before the first class.

❓ Need Help? If you encounter issues during installation, ask on the Toledo discussion forum or contact your lecturers.

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