Easy Guide for How to Install Bodhi Linux

Bodhi Linux download requirements and installation instructions

by
Gary Newell
Writer
Gary Newell was a freelance contributor, application developer, and software tester with 20+ years in IT, working on Linux, UNIX, and Windows.
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Gary Newell
Updated on October 19, 2020

Bodhi Linux is a lightweight Linux distribution based on Ubuntu. You can install it on old machines with low processing power, but Bodhi works equally well on modern laptops if you prefer a simple operating system.

Instructions in this article apply to Bodhi Linux version 16.04.

Bodhi Linux Download Requirements

The minimum requirements for installing Bodhi Linux are as follows:

  • 500 MHz processor
  • 256 MB of RAM
  • 5 GB of drive space

The first step is to download Bodhi Linux. Choose the Standard (64-bit) version or the Legacy (32-bit) version for older machines. Next, you need to burn the ISO file to a formatted USB drive so that you can install it.

Another option is to install Bodhi Linux as a virtual machine using virtualization software such as Oracle VirtualBox or GNOME Boxes.

How to Create a Bodhi Linux USB Drive

To create a bootable USB drive for installing Bodhi Linux:

  1. Insert a USB drive into an empty USB port on your computer.

  2. Download the Universal USB Installer (UUI) and install it on your computer.

    Download screen for Universal USB Installer (UUI)

  3. Open the UUI and select Bodhi under Step 1. Then select Browse.

    UUI Step 1 with Bodhi highlighted

  4. Choose the Bodhi ISO file you downloaded and select Open.

    The downloaded Bodhi ISO highlighted and the Open button

  5. Select your USB drive letter under Step 3.

    The USB drive selected

  6. Select Create to burn the ISO file to the USB drive.

    The Create button highlighted

How to Install Bodhi Linux

To boot from the USB drive, you may need to change the boot order in the system BIOS depending on your device. Once Bodhi loads, close the browser window that opens up so that you can see the icons on the desktop.

  1. Select Install Bodhi Linux and then select Continue in the Welcome screen.

    The Install Bodhi Linux button highlighted and the Continue button.

  2. Activate the button next to Connect to this network, Select your wireless network in the list and choose Continue.

    Wireless screen with Connect to this network highlighted

  3. Confirm that you meet the requirements to install Bodhi and select Continue.

    Installation confirmation with Continue highlighted

  4. Choose the desired installation type and select Install Now. You have multiple options including:

    • Replace your current operating system with Bodhi
    • Install Bodhi alongside your current operating system
    • Something else (set up your own custom partitions)
    Installation options with Install Now highlighted

  5. Choose your location on the map for the time zone setting and select Continue. 

    Map for location choice and Continue button highlighted

  6. Select a keyboard layout and language and then select Continue.

    Keyboard layout screen in Bohdi installation

  7. Set up your user account and select Continue.

    Give your computer a name to identify it on your home network. You also have the option to encrypt your home folder for extra security.

    Account setup screen

When the process has finished, restart your computer and remove the USB drive. Now when Bodhi boots, you see a browser window with a list of links that will help you to learn more about Bodhi Linux.

Bodhi Linux Quick Start Guide