Virtual machine

Try Linux in a virtual machine. This allows you to explore and get a feel for Linux without installing it. You can learn Linux in this virtual machine until you feel comfortable with it and want to install it.

Download VirtualBox
VirtualBox is virtual machine software that runs on Windows, Mac, Linux and other operating systems. VirtualBox is free software and a free download. A virtual machine like VirtualBox lets you run an operating system within an operating system. This will let you try Linux and learn about it without changing your system.
 * Download here for Windows
 * Download here for OS X

Download LMDE 2 Cinnamon 64-bit

 * Linux Mint Debian Edition 2 Cinnamon 64-bit (torrent)

Step 1


On launching VirtualBox, this is the first screen. Click "New" to start making a new virtual machine (VM).

Step 2


The name doesn't have to be this specific, it's only a label of your choosing.

However, the Type and Version dropdown menus need to be set as shown.

Step 3


Although Cinnamon will run on 512MB of RAM if necessary, at least 1GB is recommended. As a virtual machine is just a "program," the RAM given to it will be returned when the VM is shut down.

Step 4


Click "Next" to create a VHD. We'll set the actual size of it soon.

Step 5


Accept the default of VDI, unless you want to use this VM with another hypervisor (e.g. VMWare, etc).