Exhibits
Complete Linux Installation Guide for Dell XPS 15 9560
For Educators: Focus on Simplicity, Stability, and Development
Target User: Me
Hardware: Dell XPS 15 9560 (2017 model)
Primary Uses: Google Workspace, curriculum development, blogging (Jekyll/GitHub Pages), VSCode development
Priority: Ease of use, low maintenance, reliable desktop environment
Table of Contents
- Distribution Recommendation
- Why This Choice
- Pre-Installation Preparation
- BIOS Configuration
- Installation Process
- Post-Installation Setup
- Installing Development Tools
- Hardware Optimization for XPS 9560
- Troubleshooting
- Useful Resources
Distribution Recommendation
Winner: Linux Mint 22 “Wilma” (Cinnamon Edition)
Why Linux Mint for You:
- Lowest maintenance burden - Updates are conservative and well-tested
- Windows-like interface - Familiar desktop layout minimizes relearning
- 5-year support cycle - Install once, maintain minimally
- Excellent hardware detection - Works well with XPS 15 9560
- Pre-configured multimedia support - No codec hunting
- Google Chrome/Chromium included - Seamless Google Workspace integration
- Based on Ubuntu LTS - Access to vast software repositories
- Community-focused - User-friendly forums and documentation
Alternative Options (If You Want to Explore)
Ubuntu 24.04 LTS - If you prefer GNOME desktop or want cutting-edge features
Fedora Workstation 42 - If you want the absolute latest developer tools (requires more maintenance)
Why This Choice
For Your Specific Use Case:
| Requirement | Linux Mint Solution |
|---|---|
| Limited time for maintenance | Conservative update policy; won’t break unexpectedly |
| Google Workspace access | Chrome/Chromium pre-installed; web apps work perfectly |
| VSCode development | Easy .deb installation; full compatibility |
| Jekyll/GitHub Pages | Ruby environment easily installable; strong documentation |
| Non-intrusive desktop | Cinnamon stays out of your way; traditional workflow |
| Curriculum creation | LibreOffice pre-installed; PDF export; screenshot tools |
What You’re Gaining:
- Stability: Rock-solid base with fewer surprise updates
- Familiarity: Menu-driven interface like Windows
- Productivity: No telemetry, no forced reboots, no license hassles
- Control: You decide when to update and what to install
- Privacy: No data collection by default
- Performance: Faster boot times, better battery life than Windows
Pre-Installation Preparation
Materials Needed:
- USB flash drive (8GB minimum, 16GB recommended)
- External backup drive (for Windows backup if dual-booting)
- Stable internet connection
- 90-120 minutes of time
Step 1: Backup Your Current System
Critical: Even if you’re replacing Windows completely, backup important data.
Windows Users:
- Documents, Photos, Downloads
- Copy to external drive or cloud storage
- Verify files are readable on backup
- Browser bookmarks and passwords
- Export from Chrome/Firefox
- Ensure Google account sync is enabled
- Save Windows product key (if you might want to reinstall)
Windows: Run "cmd" as Administrator Type: wmic path softwarelicensingservice get OA3xOriginalProductKey Save this key somewhere safe - Optional: Full system image
- Use Macrium Reflect Free: https://www.macrium.com/reflectfree
- Or built-in Windows Backup
Step 2: Download Linux Mint
Direct Download Link: https://linuxmint.com/download.php
- Choose: Linux Mint 22 “Wilma” Cinnamon Edition
- Select download mirror closest to you (Northeast US recommended)
- Download size: ~2.8GB
- Also download the SHA256 checksum to verify integrity
Verify Your Download (Important!)
Windows:
# Open PowerShell
cd Downloads
Get-FileHash linuxmint-22-cinnamon-64bit.iso -Algorithm SHA256
# Compare output with SHA256 file from Linux Mint website
Mac/Existing Linux:
sha256sum linuxmint-22-cinnamon-64bit.iso
# Compare output with published checksum
Step 3: Create Bootable USB Drive
Recommended Tool: balenaEtcher
- Download: https://etcher.balena.io/
- Available for Windows, Mac, Linux
- Simple 3-click process
Steps:
- Install and open balenaEtcher
- Click “Flash from file” → select Linux Mint ISO
- Click “Select target” → choose your USB drive
- Click “Flash!” → wait 5-10 minutes
- When complete, don’t format the drive if Windows asks
Alternative Tool: Rufus (Windows only)
- Download: https://rufus.ie/
- More options but slightly more complex
- Use default settings for Linux Mint
Step 4: Update Your XPS 9560 BIOS
Current BIOS version check:
- Restart computer → press F2 repeatedly → check BIOS version
Latest BIOS for XPS 9560: Version 1.22.1 (as of 2026)
Update Process:
- Visit: https://www.dell.com/support/home/en-us/product-support/product/xps-15-9560-laptop/drivers
- Download latest BIOS update (.exe file)
- Run while plugged into AC power
- Do not interrupt - Let it complete fully
- System will reboot automatically
BIOS Configuration
Accessing BIOS:
- Restart your XPS 15
- Immediately tap F2 repeatedly until BIOS screen appears
- Alternatively: F12 for boot menu
Critical Settings to Change:
1. SATA Mode (MOST IMPORTANT)
Location: System Configuration → SATA Operation
Change: RAID On → AHCI
Why: Allows Linux to detect your NVMe SSD
⚠️ WARNING for Dual-Boot Users:
- If you change to AHCI, existing Windows will not boot
- Fix: Boot Windows in Safe Mode once, then reboot normally
- Or: Fresh install both operating systems
2. Secure Boot
Location: Secure Boot → Secure Boot Enable
Change: Enabled → Disabled
Why: Allows unsigned Linux bootloaders
3. Fast Boot
Location: POST Behaviour → Fastboot
Change: Minimal → Thorough
Why: Prevents intermittent boot failures
4. Boot Sequence
Location: Boot Sequence
Change: Move USB Storage to top
Why: Allows booting from installation USB
Save and Exit:
- Press F10 to save changes
- Confirm “Yes”
- Computer will reboot
Installation Process
Phase 1: Boot from USB
- Insert USB drive into XPS 15
- Power on and immediately press F12 (one-time boot menu)
- Select your USB drive from list
- Choose “Start Linux Mint” from GRUB menu
- Wait 30-60 seconds for live environment to load
Phase 2: Test Before Installing (Optional but Recommended)
Once booted into Linux Mint:
- Test WiFi: Click network icon → connect to your network
- Test trackpad: Multi-touch gestures should work
- Test keyboard: All keys functional
- Test audio: Play a video or music
- Test display: Resolution should be correct
If everything works, proceed. If not, check troubleshooting section.
Phase 3: Installation
-
Double-click “Install Linux Mint” icon on desktop
- Language Selection
- Select English (or your preference)
- Click “Continue”
- Keyboard Layout
- Usually auto-detected correctly
- Test in text box to confirm
- Click “Continue”
- Multimedia Codecs
- ☑ Check “Install multimedia codecs”
- This installs MP3, H.264, etc.
- Click “Continue”
-
Installation Type (Choose based on your goal)
Option A: Replace Windows Completely (Recommended for simplicity)
○ Erase disk and install Linux Mint ☑ Encrypt the new Linux Mint installation (optional but recommended) Click "Install Now" Confirm partition changesOption B: Dual Boot with Windows
○ Install Linux Mint alongside Windows Use slider to allocate space (50GB minimum for Linux) Click "Install Now" Confirm partition changesOption C: Manual Partitioning (Advanced)
○ Something else Create partitions: - /boot/efi: 512MB, EFI System Partition - /: 50GB+, ext4, Mount point / - swap: 8-16GB (match your RAM size) - /home: Remaining space, ext4 - Time Zone Selection
- Click on map or type city name
- For Somerset, MA: America/New_York
- Click “Continue”
- User Account Creation
Your name: James Burke Computer name: xps-mint (or your choice) Username: james (lowercase, no spaces) Password: [Choose strong password] ☑ Require password to log in (recommended) ☑ Encrypt my home folder (optional security)- Click “Continue”
- Wait for Installation
- Takes 10-15 minutes
- Progress bar shows current task
- Read the slideshow to learn Mint features
- Installation Complete
- Click “Restart Now”
- Remove USB drive when prompted
- System will reboot into Linux Mint
Phase 4: First Boot
- Computer restarts
- GRUB bootloader appears (if dual-boot)
- Linux Mint loads in 15-30 seconds
- Login screen appears
- Enter your password
- Welcome to Linux Mint!
Post-Installation Setup
First Login Tasks
1. Welcome Screen
Linux Mint greets you with helpful first steps:
- ☑ Take the tour (5 minutes, recommended)
- ☑ Install updates
- ☑ Install additional drivers
- ☐ Set up system snapshots (Timeshift - highly recommended)
2. Update System (Critical First Step)
Using GUI:
Menu → Administration → Update Manager
Click "OK" on welcome message
Click "Install Updates"
Enter password
Wait for updates to complete (10-20 minutes first time)
Reboot if kernel updated
Using Terminal (faster):
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade -y
sudo apt dist-upgrade -y
sudo apt autoremove -y
3. Install Proprietary Drivers
Your XPS 9560 has NVIDIA GTX 1050 graphics:
Menu → Administration → Driver Manager
Wait for detection to complete
Select "nvidia-driver-550" (or latest recommended)
Click "Apply Changes"
Enter password
Reboot when complete
To verify:
nvidia-smi
# Should show GPU info and driver version
4. Set Up Timeshift (System Snapshots)
Critical for peace of mind:
Menu → Administration → Timeshift
Select "RSYNC" (recommended)
Choose system partition (usually /dev/nvme0n1p2)
Schedule: Daily (keep 3), Weekly (keep 2)
Include @home: No (keeps snapshots smaller)
Click "Create" to make first snapshot
Why this matters:
- Roll back if an update breaks something
- Restore after accidental system changes
- Safety net for experimentation
5. Enable Firewall
sudo ufw enable
sudo ufw status
# Should show "Status: active"
6. Configure Settings
System Settings → Power Management:
- Laptop lid: Suspend when closed
- Critical battery: Hibernate
- Turn off screen: 10 minutes
System Settings → Display:
- Resolution: 1920×1080 (FHD model)
- Scaling: 100% or 125% (your preference)
System Settings → Preferred Applications:
- Web: Google Chrome or Firefox
- Terminal: Gnome Terminal or Tilix
Installing Development Tools
Visual Studio Code
Method 1: Official Microsoft Repository (Recommended)
# Import Microsoft GPG key
wget -qO- https://packages.microsoft.com/keys/microsoft.asc | gpg --dearmor > packages.microsoft.gpg
sudo install -D -o root -g root -m 644 packages.microsoft.gpg /usr/share/keyrings/packages.microsoft.gpg
rm packages.microsoft.gpg
# Add VSCode repository
echo "deb [arch=amd64,arm64,armhf signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/packages.microsoft.gpg] https://packages.microsoft.com/repos/code stable main" | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/vscode.list
# Install VSCode
sudo apt update
sudo apt install code -y
Method 2: Download .deb Package
- Visit: https://code.visualstudio.com/Download
- Click “Linux .deb x64”
- Save to Downloads
- Install:
cd ~/Downloads sudo dpkg -i code_*.deb sudo apt --fix-broken install -y
Launch VSCode:
code
# Or: Menu → Programming → Visual Studio Code
Essential Extensions for Your Work:
# Open VSCode
# Press Ctrl+Shift+X (Extensions)
# Search and install:
- Markdown All in One
- GitHub Pull Requests
- GitLens
- Live Server
- Python (if using Python)
- ESLint (for JavaScript)
Git Configuration
# Install Git (usually pre-installed)
sudo apt install git -y
# Configure identity
git config --global user.name "James Burke"
git config --global user.email "your.email@example.com"
# Recommended aliases
git config --global alias.st status
git config --global alias.co checkout
git config --global alias.br branch
git config --global alias.ci commit
# Verify
git config --list
GitHub Authentication:
# Generate SSH key
ssh-keygen -t ed25519 -C "your.email@example.com"
# Press Enter for default location
# Enter passphrase (or skip)
# Copy public key
cat ~/.ssh/id_ed25519.pub
# Copy output
# Add to GitHub:
# GitHub.com → Settings → SSH and GPG keys → New SSH key
# Paste key, give it a title like "XPS 15 Linux Mint"
Jekyll for GitHub Pages
Install Ruby and Dependencies
# Install Ruby and build tools
sudo apt install ruby-full build-essential zlib1g-dev -y
# Avoid installing gems as root
echo '# Ruby Gems' >> ~/.bashrc
echo 'export GEM_HOME="$HOME/gems"' >> ~/.bashrc
echo 'export PATH="$HOME/gems/bin:$PATH"' >> ~/.bashrc
source ~/.bashrc
# Install Jekyll and Bundler
gem install jekyll bundler
# Verify installation
jekyll -v
# Should show: jekyll 4.x.x
Set Up Your First Jekyll Site
# Create new Jekyll site
cd ~
mkdir websites
cd websites
jekyll new my-blog
cd my-blog
# Serve locally
bundle exec jekyll serve
# Open browser to: http://localhost:4000
GitHub Pages Integration
Create GitHub repository:
# On GitHub.com:
# New repository → username.github.io
# Initialize without README
# In your Jekyll directory:
git init
git add .
git commit -m "Initial commit"
git branch -M main
git remote add origin git@github.com:username/username.github.io.git
git push -u origin main
Configure for GitHub Pages:
Edit Gemfile:
# Comment out:
# gem "jekyll", "~> 4.3.3"
# Uncomment:
gem "github-pages", group: :jekyll_plugins
Run:
bundle install
bundle exec jekyll serve --baseurl=""
Visit: https://username.github.io (after pushing)
Useful Resources:
- GitHub Pages: https://pages.github.com/
- Jekyll Docs: https://jekyllrb.com/docs/
- Jekyll Themes: https://jekyllthemes.io/
Google Chrome for Workspace
# Download Chrome
wget https://dl.google.com/linux/direct/google-chrome-stable_current_amd64.deb
# Install
sudo dpkg -i google-chrome-stable_current_amd64.deb
sudo apt --fix-broken install -y
# Launch
google-chrome
Sign in to Google account for:
- Gmail
- Google Drive
- Google Docs/Sheets/Slides
- Google Classroom
- Google Calendar
Tip: Install as PWA (Progressive Web Apps):
- Visit any Google service
- Chrome Menu → More Tools → Create Shortcut
- ☑ Open as window
- Creates app-like experience
Additional Development Tools
# Node.js and npm (for web development)
sudo apt install nodejs npm -y
node -v # Should show v18.x or later
# Python (usually pre-installed)
python3 --version
pip3 --version
# If pip missing:
sudo apt install python3-pip -y
# Useful utilities
sudo apt install -y \
htop \ # System monitor
tree \ # Directory visualization
curl \ # Data transfer
wget \ # File downloads
vim \ # Text editor
neofetch \ # System info display
tldr \ # Simplified man pages
gnome-screenshot # Screenshot tool
Hardware Optimization for XPS 9560
Battery Life Optimization
Install TLP (Power Management)
sudo apt install tlp tlp-rdw -y
sudo systemctl enable tlp
sudo systemctl start tlp
# Check status
sudo tlp-stat -s
Expected improvements:
- 30-40% better battery life
- Automatic CPU frequency scaling
- USB power management
- PCI device power control
Touchpad Fine-Tuning
Create configuration file:
sudo nano /usr/share/X11/xorg.conf.d/40-libinput.conf
Add:
Section "InputClass"
Identifier "touchpad"
Driver "libinput"
MatchIsTouchpad "on"
Option "Tapping" "on"
Option "NaturalScrolling" "true"
Option "AccelSpeed" "0.4"
EndSection
Save (Ctrl+O, Enter, Ctrl+X) and restart.
NVIDIA Optimus (Switchable Graphics)
Check Current Graphics Mode
prime-select query
# Shows: nvidia or intel
Switch Graphics Mode
# Use NVIDIA (better performance, more battery drain)
sudo prime-select nvidia
# Use Intel (better battery, lower performance)
sudo prime-select intel
# Reboot required after switching
sudo reboot
Recommendation: Use Intel for daily work, NVIDIA for intensive tasks.
WiFi Stability
Your XPS 9560 has Intel Wireless-AC 8265:
# If WiFi drops frequently, disable power management
sudo nano /etc/NetworkManager/conf.d/wifi-powersave.conf
Add:
[connection]
wifi.powersave = 2
Save and restart NetworkManager:
sudo systemctl restart NetworkManager
Audio Fixes
If speakers sound tinny:
# Install PulseAudio Volume Control
sudo apt install pavucontrol -y
# Launch
pavucontrol
Go to Configuration tab → Built-in Audio → Profile: Analog Stereo Duplex
Temperature Monitoring
# Install sensors
sudo apt install lm-sensors -y
sudo sensors-detect # Press Enter for all defaults
# Check temperatures
sensors
Normal temps:
- Idle: 40-50°C
- Light use: 50-65°C
- Heavy load: 65-85°C
- Thermal throttling: 90°C+
SSD TRIM (Performance)
# Enable weekly TRIM for SSD longevity
sudo systemctl enable fstrim.timer
sudo systemctl start fstrim.timer
# Manual TRIM
sudo fstrim -av
Troubleshooting
Boot Issues
Problem: “No bootable device found”
Solution:
1. Enter BIOS (F2)
2. Boot Sequence → Add Boot Option
3. File System: Select EFI partition
4. Path: \EFI\ubuntu\grubx64.efi (yes, even for Mint)
5. Save and exit
Problem: Black screen after GRUB
Solution:
1. At GRUB menu, press 'e' on Linux Mint entry
2. Find line starting with 'linux'
3. Add to end: nouveau.modeset=0
4. Press F10 to boot
5. Install NVIDIA drivers once booted
Problem: System freezes on boot
Solution:
At GRUB, add kernel parameter:
acpi_rev_override=5
To make permanent:
sudo nano /etc/default/grub
Add: GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX_DEFAULT="quiet splash acpi_rev_override=5"
sudo update-grub
WiFi Not Working
# Check if WiFi is blocked
rfkill list
# If blocked:
sudo rfkill unblock all
# Restart NetworkManager
sudo systemctl restart NetworkManager
Trackpad Issues
# If multi-touch not working:
sudo apt install xserver-xorg-input-synaptics -y
sudo reboot
Sound Not Working
# Reload audio driver
pulseaudio -k
pulseaudio --start
# If still no sound:
sudo alsa force-reload
Screen Brightness Control
# If brightness keys don't work:
sudo nano /etc/default/grub
# Change:
GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX_DEFAULT="quiet splash acpi_backlight=vendor"
sudo update-grub
sudo reboot
Suspend/Resume Issues
# If laptop doesn't wake from suspend:
sudo nano /etc/default/grub
# Add:
GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX_DEFAULT="quiet splash mem_sleep_default=deep"
sudo update-grub
sudo reboot
High CPU Usage
# Check what's using CPU:
htop
# Sort by CPU: Press F6, select CPU%
# Common culprits:
# - snapd (if you installed snaps)
# - tracker-miner (file indexing)
# Disable tracker:
systemctl --user mask tracker-store.service tracker-miner-fs.service tracker-miner-rss.service tracker-extract.service tracker-miner-apps.service tracker-writeback.service
Slow Boot Times
# Analyze boot time:
systemd-analyze
# See what takes longest:
systemd-analyze blame
# Critical services taking >5s should be investigated
Useful Resources
Linux Mint Official Resources
- Main Website: https://linuxmint.com/
- Documentation: https://linuxmint.com/documentation.php
- Forums: https://forums.linuxmint.com/
- User Guide: https://linuxmint.com/documentation/user-guide/Cinnamon/english_18.0.pdf
Learning Linux
- Linux Journey: https://linuxjourney.com/ (Free interactive tutorials)
- The Linux Command Line Book: https://linuxcommand.org/tlcl.php (Free PDF)
- ExplainShell: https://explainshell.com/ (Decode complex commands)
Development Resources
- VSCode on Linux: https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/setup/linux
- Jekyll Documentation: https://jekyllrb.com/docs/
- GitHub Pages Guide: https://docs.github.com/en/pages
- Git Book: https://git-scm.com/book/en/v2
Dell XPS 9560 Specific
- Arch Wiki (excellent for any distro): https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Dell_XPS_15_(9560)
- Dell Support: https://www.dell.com/support/home/en-us/product-support/product/xps-15-9560-laptop
- Ubuntu Wiki: https://help.ubuntu.com/community/
Communities and Support
- r/linuxmint: https://reddit.com/r/linuxmint
- r/linux4noobs: https://reddit.com/r/linux4noobs
- Ask Ubuntu: https://askubuntu.com/ (works for Mint too)
- Stack Overflow: https://stackoverflow.com/ (programming questions)
YouTube Channels
- LearnLinuxTV: https://www.youtube.com/@LearnLinuxTV
- DistroTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DistroTube
- Chris Titus Tech: https://www.youtube.com/@ChrisTitusTech
- The Linux Experiment: https://www.youtube.com/@TheLinuxEXP
Quick Reference: Essential Commands
System Management
# Update system
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
# Install package
sudo apt install package-name
# Remove package
sudo apt remove package-name
# Search for package
apt search keyword
# Clean up
sudo apt autoremove -y
sudo apt autoclean
File Operations
# List files
ls -lah
# Change directory
cd /path/to/directory
# Copy files
cp source destination
# Move/rename
mv source destination
# Remove file
rm filename
# Remove directory
rm -r directory
# Create directory
mkdir directory-name
# Find files
find /path -name "filename"
System Information
# Disk usage
df -h
# Directory size
du -sh /path
# Memory usage
free -h
# CPU info
lscpu
# Process monitor
htop
# Network info
ip addr show
# System info
neofetch
File Editing
# Simple editor
nano filename
# Advanced editor
vim filename
# View file
cat filename
less filename
Permissions
# Make executable
chmod +x script.sh
# Change owner
sudo chown user:user filename
# View permissions
ls -l filename
Maintenance Schedule
Daily (Automated)
- ☑ Automatic Timeshift snapshots (if configured)
- ☑ TLP battery optimization
Weekly
# Update system
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
# Clean package cache
sudo apt autoremove -y
sudo apt autoclean
Monthly
- ☐ Review Timeshift snapshots (delete old ones if space low)
- ☐ Check disk space:
df -h - ☐ Review installed packages:
apt list --installed
As Needed
- ☐ BIOS updates (check Dell support site)
- ☐ NVIDIA driver updates (via Driver Manager)
- ☐ Linux Mint point releases (21.1 → 21.2, etc.)
Conclusion
You now have everything you need to install and optimize Linux Mint on your Dell XPS 15 9560. This setup will provide you with:
✅ Stable, reliable system for daily educational work
✅ Full development environment with VSCode, Git, Jekyll
✅ Seamless Google Workspace integration via Chrome
✅ Optimized performance for your specific hardware
✅ Low maintenance with conservative update policy
✅ Privacy and control over your computing environment
Remember: Linux is a journey, not a destination. Don’t be afraid to explore, experiment (with Timeshift safety net), and ask for help in the vibrant Linux community.
Good luck, and welcome to the world of open source!
Document Version: 1.0
Last Updated: February 22, 2026
Hardware: Dell XPS 15 9560
OS: Linux Mint 22 “Wilma” Cinnamon Edition