back in the late 1990s I paid to have CDs sent to me, now I just download
off the Internet and burn to DVD. To install I put the disc in, check the system is set to boot from CD/DVD, reboot, and then follow the install instructions - I do the basic install and then use the Software Centre to add any extras I want. Once built I usually make and image and use that if I ever need to rebuild the system - done that for a few where the hard drives went belly up.
If not installing I do the same but choose Live Disc and not Install when the system boots from the CD/DVD.
Due to the diversity of the systems I usually have to maintain it's not possible to create an image and copy that to other systems, so I often use a couple of disc and do a couple of machines at a time - usually all done within an hour. The few times I've been rolling out multiples of the same hardware I built on and them imaged that across to the hard drives of the others.
In short, it's much the same as loading your own Windows, just a damn sight quicker and easier.
You can email my via the Peer Mail or from my email on my web site at www.bywater.net.au
edit to add - I currently use and recommend Zorin OS Linux from
zorin-os.com
note no www in it - check their website out
