. Since you'll be replacing your computer's operating system with Linux, it's good practice to back up your computer's files and preferences, even if you don't want to keep them on Linux. This way, if something goes wrong during setup, you'll be able to restore your computer. . Skip this step if you're on a Mac. Knowing whether your computer runs a 32-bit operating system or a 64-bit operating system will help determine which version of Linux Mint you can download. Linux can only be installed on Macs that have Intel processors. To check, click the Apple menu {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/f\/ff\/Macapple1.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/ff\/Macapple1.png\/29px-Macapple1.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":476,"bigWidth":"29","bigHeight":"30","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>I edited this screenshot of a Mac icon.\n<\/p><p>License: <a rel=\"nofollow\" class=\"external text\" href=\"http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a><br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}, click About This Mac, and look for the "Processor" heading. You should see "Intel" listed in the processor's information; if you don't, you can't install Linux on your Mac. Skip this step on Windows. Go to https://linuxmint.com/download.php, click either 32-bit or 64-bit (depending on your computer's bit number) to the right of the "Cinnamon" heading, and click a regional link below the "Mirror" heading. On a Mac, select the 64-bit option. This will depend on your operating system:   Windows - Go to https://www.pendrivelinux.com/universal-usb-installer-easy-as-1-2-3/, scroll down, and click Download UUI.  Mac - Go to https://etcher.io/ and click Etcher for macOS at the top of the page. Plug the flash drive into one of your computer's USB ports, which can usually be found on the side or back of the computer. On a Mac, you'll need a USB-C flash drive (or a USB 3 to USB-C adapter). Now that your flash drive is formatted and Linux has downloaded, you can proceed with installing Linux.

Summary: Back up your computer Check your computer's bit number Check your Mac's processor type. Download the Linux Mint ISO file. Download a USB burning program. Insert a USB flash drive into your computer. Leave your USB flash drive plugged in.


What better way is there to learn about birding, than from other birders? Look at audubon.org or check with your local nature conservatory to find bird watching groups you can join. Also consider informal groups, like those you'd find through Meetup. The more sets of eyes and ears there are, the more birds you'll find, especially if you go with bird watchers who are more experienced than you are. Going out into the field means you’re going into a lot of the same areas you’d be in if you were hiking. Stick with the same type of breathable, loose clothes and sturdy boots you’d wear for long treks through forests or fields.  Wear waterproof boots, so you’ll be prepared if you encounter puddles or mud. Wear dark, neutral colors, like brown and gray, so you don’t frighten birds away. Bright or white colors enhance movement around them. Loud talking or laughing can cause birds to flee before you even get close.  Put your phone on silent, and speak softly or use hand signals and gestures to communicate with a group. Don’t be tempted to yell “Look over here!,” no matter how excited you get by spotting a rare bird.  A whisper can often communicate the same thing. Avoid flash and camera noises. Depending on where you’re located and what birds you’re trying to spot, the time of day you venture out can greatly impact successful birding. A lot of birds wake in the early morning hours when the sun first rises because they’ve been nesting all night and want breakfast. Others are not as dependent on the sun, especially if it’s summertime and the days are longer.  Songbirds are normally spotted two hours after sunrise and right before sunset. Hawks and eagles are best seen when the sun first rises. Spot ducks any time of day. Shorebirds are out when ocean tides change. If you don’t want to join a birding group or take long walks through potentially thorny forests, you can enjoy bird watching from your own backyard. Use bird feeders filled with food for species you’d like to see. Sit by a window and enjoy the scenery.  Start with simple black oil sunflower seeds and diversify with things like mealworms and fruit. Place a birdbath or fountain in your yard. Birds love shallow or running water.

Summary: Find a birding group. Dress appropriately. Be quiet. Go at the right time. Lure birds to you.


Select water-based wood filler, primer, and paint if the item you are repairing is kept indoors, or solvent-based wood filler and oil-based primer and paint if the item will be placed outdoors. You'll also need craft sticks, disposable plates, PVA glue, wood glue, 120-grit sandpaper, and paintbrushes or rollers. Gather old clothes, rags, a sheet or drop cloth, painter's tape, and a paint stirrer as well. The craft sticks will provide a support for you to apply the wood filler to. Inspect the size of the hole and decide how many craft sticks it would take to cover it.  For example, if a hole can be filled by 3 craft sticks, lay them flat on a work surface side by side. Pour glue over the back of the 3 craft sticks. Place 3 more craft sticks on top of the first 3 to create a strong layer that's stuck together properly. The amount of craft sticks you'll have to use depends on the size of the hole. Give the glue 10 to 15 minutes to dry. Place the glue around the border of the hole in your wood. You should lay the craft sticks on the side they won't be seen from. If you're filling a hole in a cabinet, wall, or a wardrobe, place the craft sticks on the inside of the hole. If you're covering a hole in a wall or wood that you can't place on a flat surface, you might need to hold the craft sticks for 5 minutes so they stick to the glue.
Summary: Gather your materials. Glue craft sticks together to cover the hole. Place the craft sticks on the back of the hole and secure them with wood glue.