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 March 06, 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:

  • 500mhz processor
  • 256MB of RAM
  • 5GB 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 will 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 the Universal USB Installer (UUI) and install it on your computer

  3. Open UUI and select Bodhi under Step 1.

    Open UUI and select Bodhi under Step 1

  4. Select Browse and choose the Bodhi ISO file you downloaded.

    Select Browse and choose the Bodhi ISO file you downloaded

  5. Select your USB drive letter under Step 3.

    Select your USB drive letter under Step 3

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

    Select Create to burn the ISO file to the USB drive

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, then select Continue at the Welcome screen.

    Select Install Bodhi Linux, then select Continue at the Welcome screen

  2. Choose your wireless network and select Continue.

    Choose your wireless network and select Continue

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

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

  4. Choose the desired installation type and select Install Now. You will 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)
    Choose the desired installation type and select Install Now

  5. Choose your location on the map for the timezone settings and select Continue. 

    Choose your location on the map for the timezone settings and select Continue

  6. Select your keyboard language and layout, then select Continue.

    Select your keyboard language and layout, then select Continue

  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.

    Set up your user account and select Continue

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

Bodhi Linux Quick Start Guide