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Zac Trolley
  1. Building Your Own Server/

Linux Mint Installation

·950 words·5 mins

Linux Mint is built to be familiar for Windows users while offering the power and privacy of Linux. It’s stable, well supported, and perfect for converting old PCs into home lab servers. I’ve been using Linux Mint on my main computer for years, ever since gaming on Linux became viable. Mint doesn’t fight you when you want to run server software. No forced updates, no built-in spyware, no subscription services. It boots faster, uses less resources, and gives you complete control over what runs on your system.

Why Linux Mint:

  • Privacy First: No telemetry, no tracking, no data collection, and no ads.
  • Data Sovereignty: Your computer, your data. No corporation owns your digital life.
  • User-Friendly: Familiar Windows interface, perfect for beginners and experts alike.
  • Free Software: 100% open-source, community-driven, and free to use.

Use Linux for your home server. Once you are comfortable, I highly recomend you switch over to Linux for your daily computing. Microsoft is spying on you.

Resources
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Installation Prep
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Before installing Linux Mint, ensure you have the following ready:

  • Download: Linux Mint ISO
    • 👉 Recommended: Get the Cinnamon Edition, unless your computer is really old, then go Xfce
  • USB Drive: 8GB or larger for the install image
  • Hardware: Minimum 4GB RAM, 500GB Disk Space

Time to Complete
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  • Total Time: ~60 minutes
    • 15 min: Download ISO
    • 10 min: Create bootable USB
    • 20 min: Installation process
    • 15 min: Initial setup and configuration
  • Difficulty: Beginner
  • Note: This is a fresh installation. Back up your data before proceeding if you are using an old laptop. Everything will be erased during installation.

Download the ISO
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Step 1: Download Linux Mint
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  1. Visit the Linux Mint Download Page
  2. Choose your preferred edition:
    • Cinnamon: Modern, feature-rich desktop (recommended)
    • Xfce: Lightweight, fast, traditional interface
    • Mate: GNOME style interface if you prefer the look and function of macOS
  3. Click the download button for your chosen edition
  4. Save the .iso file to your computer

Step 2: Verify the Download (Optional but Recommended) #

After downloading, verify the ISO integrity using the provided checksum:

sha256sum linux-mint-XX.X-cinnamon-XXXX.iso

Compare the output with the checksum on the Linux Mint download page.

Create a Bootable USB Drive
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Step 1: Install Etcher (or use Rufus on Windows)
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On Linux:

Download and install Balena Etcher:

# Download the AppImage
wget https://github.com/balena-io/etcher/releases/download/v1.19.27/balena-etcher-electron_1.19.27_amd64.AppImage

# Make it executable
chmod +x balena-etcher-electron_1.19.27_amd64.AppImage

# Run it
./balena-etcher-electron_1.19.27_amd64.AppImage

On Windows:

Download Rufus and use it to create the bootable USB.

Step 2: Create the Bootable USB
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  1. Insert your USB drive (backup any data first!)
  2. Open Etcher
  3. Select the Linux Mint ISO file
  4. Select your USB drive
  5. Click Flash! and wait for completion

Install Linux Mint
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Step 1: Boot from USB
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  1. Insert the bootable USB into your computer
  2. Restart your computer
  3. Enter the boot menu (usually by pressing F12, F10, Esc, or Del during startup)
  4. Select the USB drive as the boot device

Step 2: Install Linux Mint
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  1. You’ll see the Linux Mint boot menu
  2. Select “Install Linux Mint” to install

Step 3: Installation Process
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Once the installer opens:

Welcome Screen
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  1. Choose your language and click Continue

Installation Type
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  1. Erase disk and install Linux Mint (recommended for new installations)
    • This will wipe your entire disk
  2. Something else (advanced users only)
    • Manual partitioning required

Time Zone
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  1. Select your time zone and click Continue

Keyboard Layout
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  1. The installer should detect your keyboard layout
  2. If incorrect, click Continue to adjust manually

User Information
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  1. Your Name: Your full name (e.g., Johnny Silverhand)
  2. Computer Name: The name of your computer (e.g., home-server)
  3. Username: Your login username (e.g., john)
  4. Password: Set a strong password
  5. Log in automatically: Check if you want automatic login (uncheck for better security)
  6. Require my password to log in: Recommended for security
  7. Click Continue

Installation in Progress
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  1. Wait for the installation to complete (10-15 minutes)
  2. You’ll see a progress bar

Installation Complete
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  1. Click Restart Now
  2. Remove the USB drive when prompted
  3. Press Enter to restart

Initial Setup and Configuration
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Step 1: First Boot
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  1. Linux Mint will boot from your hard drive
  2. If you set a password, log in with your credentials
  3. If you enabled automatic login, you’ll be logged in directly

Step 2: System Update
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  1. Open Update Manager from the menu (or run sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade in terminal)
  2. Install all available updates
  3. Restart if required

Step 3: Install Essential Software
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Open the Software Manager and brows the available FREE software. Some favourites include:

  • Firefox: Web browser (already included)
  • VLC: Media player
  • LibreOffice: Office suite
  • GIMP: Image editor
  • Inkscape: Vector graphics editor
  • Steam: For gaming. (the games aren’t free, of course.)

Step 4: Configure Privacy Settings
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  1. Open System Settings
  2. Go to Privacy
  3. Disable:
    • Telemetry
    • Usage Statistics
    • Location Services

Step 6: Configure Static IP (Recommended) #

For running services like Pi-hole, Jellyfin, or Immich, your server should have a static IP address on your network.

Configure Static IP:

  1. Open Network Settings
  2. Select your network connection
  3. Click the gear icon
  4. Go to IPv4
  5. Change Automatic (DHCP) to Manual
  6. Enter your static IP: 192.168.99.1
  7. Set Gateway to your router’s IP (e.g., 192.168.1.1 or check your router)
  8. Set DNS servers to 8.8.8.8
  9. Click Save

Note: This guide assumes your Linux Mint machine will be at 192.168.99.1. This IP is used throughout all service documentation in this guide.

Usage
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Using Linux is just like using any other operating system, but it feels a lot more like a tool that Windows. I encourage you to look up Linux Mint tutorial videos, then try installing some home services and begin your divorce from Big Tech.