Linux Mint is a Linux community-driven operating system which is based on Ubuntu.
It is very easy to use with a modern and elegant design with full out-of-the-box support of multimedia
The development of Linux Mint started in 2006 with the release of Linux Mint 1.0 based on Kubuntu.
Linux Mint 2.0 is based on Ubuntu following its own codebase.
Advantages of Installing Linux Mint in your Dell XPS 15 9560
Low memory usage
Many Useful features such as automatically fixing issues which is better than Ubuntu
Ease in installing themes
Faster, Lighter and sleeker experience with software
Plenty of applications available by default such as media Codecs and Flash
Requirements
Backup your Data
A Formatted USB drive of 6/8GB
Download Linux Mint image file from the official website – https://www.linuxmint.com/download.php. There are three versions of Linux Mint: Cinnamon, MATE, and Xfce. Recommended: Cinnamon
After installing Rufus simply select the ISO file from the file manager and accept all settings when the popup window appears.
Select MBR partition scheme for BIOS or UEFIÂ and If your laptop has UEFI bios then select the other two options.
For the Filesystem select NTFS option and select if your PC has UEFI bios then select FAT32.
The default Cluster size option should be selected.
Make sure all three options including Quick Format, Create a Bootable disk using and Create extended labels and icon files are selected.
Finally, start the process and this software will automatically format and create bootable USB flash drive.
Change boot-order to boot from USB in Dell XPS 15 9560
Turn your Dell laptop off
It is not necessary to change the Boot order in your Dell XPS 15 9560.
All you have to do is insert the Bootable USB drive in your Laptop and press F12 and boot it from there.
Instructions to Install Linux Mint on Dell XPS 15 9560
Linux Mint will be installed on your machine after a few steps:
1. Selecting Language
The First step is to select your desired language or the language you will be using in the operating system.
Also, Language can also be changed later.
2. Keyboard Selection and Proprietary Software
Choose your Keyboard Layout and Detect Keyboard Layout.
To ensure keys working properly you can use the text box provided below. Now the Screen will ask you to install proprietary software.
If you want to play media files like MP3 then you should select the option.
3. Target Installation
The Linux Mint installation Wizard provides many options for where to install Linux Mint. If you want to install Linux Mint in the entire hard drive then Select “Erase disk and install Linux Mint”.
The option will delete all your files permanently.
So in case you want to install Linux Mint by erasing method then make sure that you have made a complete backup of your all files.
The other two options are encrypting Linux Mint and Logical Volume Manager (a Linux system to manage data on the hard drive efficiently).
Something Else is the option to create partitions or Dual booting with Windows or any other operating system. So if you want a clean install without any complications select these options else to select something else.
4. Dual Boot Windows and Linux Mint on Dell XPS 15 9560
Select the “Something Else” option to create partitions on your machine and “Continue”.
1. Create Partitions
We have to create Root, swap, and home partitions
Firstly, You have to create a root partition.
Now Choose the free space option and click on +.
Src – Itsfoss
Choose the amount of space you want in your root partition (20GB or 21485MB recommended)
Option “Use as” should be “Ext4 file journaling system” and mount point as “/” (Root)
Now you have to create the Swap Partition
Size of Swap partition Depends upon the size of the RAM and available disk space.
Since the RAM size of Dell XPS 15 9560 is the 16GB size of Swap should be half the size of RAM.
Now you have to create the Home Partition
You should provide maximum size to the Home partition as this area is where you will keep all your files.
Finally, after creating all the partitions Home, Swap and Root, click on install now to continue the process of installing Linux Mint on your Dell XPS 15 9560.
4. Select Timezone, Keyboard Layout, and Login Credentials
You have crossed all the hurdles after reaching this point. Now there are some easy steps left such as Selecting timezone, keyboard layout, and login credentials. Once the installation is completed two options will appear on the screen Continue testing live version or to restart the system. After restarting you will receive a beautiful Linux Operating system on your Screen.
Thanks for being patient and I hope the guide to install Linux Mint on Dell XPS 15 9560 was helpful.
