How to install Linux Mint for beginners

How to Install Linux Mint for Beginners: Complete Step-by-Step Guide 2025 Linux Mint has earned its reputation as one of the most beginner-friendly Linux distributions available today. With its familiar Windows-like interface, excellent hardware support, and stable foundation built on Ubuntu, Linux Mint provides the perfect entry point for newcomers to the Linux world. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of installing Linux Mint, from initial preparation to post-installation optimization. Why Choose Linux Mint? The Perfect Beginner Distribution Linux Mint stands out among Linux distributions for several compelling reasons: User-Friendly Design: Linux Mint's Cinnamon desktop environment closely resembles Windows, making the transition seamless for users coming from Microsoft's operating system. The familiar taskbar, start menu, and system tray ensure you'll feel at home immediately. Exceptional Hardware Support: Built on Ubuntu's solid foundation, Linux Mint inherits excellent hardware compatibility. Most modern computers will work perfectly out of the box, including Wi-Fi cards, graphics cards, and audio devices. Stability and Reliability: Linux Mint follows a conservative update policy, ensuring system stability while still providing access to current software. The team thoroughly tests updates before releasing them to users. Multimedia Ready: Unlike some Linux distributions, Linux Mint includes multimedia codecs by default, meaning you can play MP3s, watch videos, and view various file formats immediately after installation. Strong Community Support: The Linux Mint community is known for being welcoming and helpful to newcomers. Extensive documentation, forums, and tutorials are readily available. Linux Mint Editions Explained Linux Mint offers three main desktop environments: Cinnamon Edition (Recommended for Most Users) - Modern and elegant: Beautiful, modern interface with smooth animations - Windows-like: Familiar layout for Windows users - Feature-rich: Comprehensive desktop environment with all necessary tools - Resource usage: Moderate system requirements - Best for: General users wanting a polished, modern desktop experience MATE Edition (Lightweight Alternative) - Traditional desktop: Classic GNOME 2 interface - Lightweight: Lower resource requirements than Cinnamon - Stable: Time-tested desktop environment - Customizable: Plenty of configuration options - Best for: Older computers or users preferring traditional interfaces Xfce Edition (Most Lightweight) - Minimal resource usage: Perfect for older or low-spec hardware - Fast and responsive: Snappy performance even on limited hardware - Customizable: Extensive theming and configuration options - Stable: Rock-solid reliability - Best for: Very old computers or users wanting maximum performance Pre-Installation Preparation System Requirements Before installing Linux Mint, ensure your computer meets these minimum requirements: Minimum Requirements - RAM: 2 GB (4 GB recommended) - Storage: 20 GB free disk space (50 GB recommended) - Processor: Any x64 processor (Intel or AMD) - Graphics: 1024×768 resolution (higher recommended) - Internet: Broadband connection for updates and additional software Recommended Specifications - RAM: 4 GB or more for optimal performance - Storage: 100 GB+ for comfortable use with room for applications and files - Processor: Multi-core processor for better multitasking - Graphics: Dedicated graphics card for better multimedia performance - SSD: Solid-state drive for faster boot times and application loading Hardware Compatibility Check Check Your Hardware Before installation, verify that your hardware is compatible: 1. Wi-Fi Cards: Most modern Wi-Fi cards work with Linux Mint, but check the Hardware Database 2. Graphics Cards: NVIDIA and AMD cards are well-supported with proper drivers 3. Printers: Most printers work out of the box, especially HP, Canon, and Epson models 4. Bluetooth: Modern Bluetooth adapters typically work without issues 5. Audio: Standard audio cards and USB audio devices are generally supported Use the Live Environment for Testing The best way to check hardware compatibility is to boot from a Linux Mint live USB and test all your hardware before installing. Data Backup Strategy Critical Warning: Always back up your important data before installing any operating system. What to Back Up - Documents: Personal files, photos, videos, and work documents - Browser data: Bookmarks, passwords, and browser profiles - Email data: If using desktop email clients - Application settings: Configuration files for important applications - License keys: Software license information and activation keys Backup Methods 1. External hard drive: Most reliable for large amounts of data 2. Cloud storage: Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox for important files 3. Network attached storage: If you have a home server or NAS 4. Multiple locations: Store critical data in at least two different places Windows-Specific Preparations If you're currently using Windows: 1. Create Windows recovery media: Use Windows' built-in recovery drive creator 2. Note down license keys: Use tools like ProduKey to save Windows and software licenses 3. Export browser bookmarks: Save bookmarks from all browsers you use 4. Document network settings: Note Wi-Fi passwords and network configurations 5. List installed software: Make a list of essential software to reinstall on Linux Downloading Linux Mint Official Download Sources Always download Linux Mint from official sources to ensure security and authenticity: Primary Download Site Visit the official Linux Mint website: linuxmint.com Mirror Selection Choose a download mirror close to your geographic location for faster downloads: - North America: Use US or Canadian mirrors - Europe: Select European mirrors for best speed - Asia-Pacific: Choose Asian mirrors for optimal performance - Other regions: Select the closest available mirror Choosing the Right ISO Architecture Selection - 64-bit (recommended): For all modern computers (manufactured after 2007) - 32-bit: Only for very old computers with 32-bit processors (rarely needed) Desktop Environment Selection For beginners, we recommend downloading Linux Mint Cinnamon for the best balance of features and usability. Version Selection - LTS (Long Term Support): Recommended for most users, supported for 5 years - Latest version: May include newer features but shorter support period Verifying Your Download Why Verify Downloads? Verifying your download ensures: - File integrity: The download wasn't corrupted - Security: The file hasn't been tampered with - Authenticity: You're installing genuine Linux Mint Verification Process 1. Download checksums: Get the SHA256 checksum from the download page 2. Calculate checksum: Use tools to calculate your downloaded file's checksum 3. Compare: Ensure the checksums match exactly Checksum Verification Tools - Windows: Use built-in PowerShell command `Get-FileHash` - macOS: Use Terminal command `shasum -a 256` - Linux: Use command `sha256sum filename.iso` Creating Installation Media USB Drive Method (Recommended) Requirements - USB drive: 4 GB minimum capacity (8 GB recommended) - USB 3.0: Faster installation and better performance - Backup: Save any important data from the USB drive (will be erased) Recommended Tools Balena Etcher (Cross-Platform) 1. Download Etcher: Visit balena.io/etcher 2. Install and launch: Simple installation process 3. Select ISO: Choose your Linux Mint ISO file 4. Select drive: Choose your USB drive 5. Flash: Click "Flash!" and wait for completion 6. Verify: Etcher automatically verifies the written data Rufus (Windows Only) 1. Download Rufus: Visit rufus.ie 2. Launch Rufus: Run as administrator for best results 3. Select device: Choose your USB drive 4. Select ISO: Browse for your Linux Mint ISO 5. Configure settings: - Partition scheme: GPT for UEFI systems, MBR for older BIOS - File system: FAT32 - Cluster size: Default 6. Start: Click "START" and confirm warnings Alternative Methods - dd command (Linux/macOS): For advanced users comfortable with command line - UNetbootin: Older tool but still functional - Linux Live USB Creator (Windows): Alternative option for Windows users DVD Method (Less Common) If you prefer using DVDs or have an older computer without USB boot support: 1. Use quality media: Choose high-quality, brand-name DVDs 2. Burn at low speed: 4x or 8x speed for better reliability 3. Verify burn: Check the burned DVD for errors 4. Store properly: Keep the DVD in a protective case BIOS/UEFI Configuration Understanding Boot Systems BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) - Older system: Used in computers manufactured before 2010 - Master Boot Record (MBR): Traditional partitioning scheme - Simpler: Less complex but more limited UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) - Modern system: Standard in computers manufactured after 2010 - GUID Partition Table (GPT): Modern partitioning scheme - Secure Boot: Additional security feature that may need adjustment Accessing BIOS/UEFI Common Methods The key to press varies by manufacturer. Try these during startup: - Dell: F2 or F12 - HP: F10 or F12 - Lenovo: F2, F1, or Enter then F1 - ASUS: F2 or Del - Acer: F2 or Del - MSI: F2 or Del - Generic: Del, F2, F10, or F12 Tips for Access - Press repeatedly: Start pressing the key as soon as you turn on the computer - Watch for messages: Look for "Press F2 for Setup" messages during startup - Try multiple keys: If one doesn't work, restart and try another - Fast startup: On Windows 10/11, disable fast startup for easier access Essential BIOS/UEFI Settings Boot Priority Configuration 1. Enter BIOS/UEFI: Access your system's firmware settings 2. Find boot options: Look for "Boot," "Startup," or similar menu 3. Set USB/DVD first: Move USB or DVD to the top of boot priority 4. Save and exit: Use F10 or the designated save key Secure Boot Handling For UEFI systems with Secure Boot: Option 1: Disable Secure Boot (Easier) 1. Find security settings: Look for "Security" or "Boot" menu 2. Locate Secure Boot: Find the Secure Boot option 3. Disable: Set to "Disabled" or "Other OS" 4. Save settings: Save and restart Option 2: Use Secure Boot Compatible Version - Some Linux Mint versions support Secure Boot - Check the download page for Secure Boot compatibility - May require additional setup steps Legacy/UEFI Boot Mode - UEFI mode: Recommended for modern systems - Legacy mode: For older systems or specific compatibility needs - Dual mode: Some systems support both simultaneously Installation Process Booting from Installation Media Starting the Installation 1. Insert media: Connect USB drive or insert DVD 2. Restart computer: Power on or restart your system 3. Boot from media: System should automatically boot from installation media 4. Boot menu: If needed, press F12 (or appropriate key) for boot menu 5. Select device: Choose USB or DVD from boot menu Boot Screen Options When Linux Mint boots, you'll see several options: - Start Linux Mint: Boot into live environment (recommended for testing) - OEM install: For manufacturers (not needed for personal use) - Check integrity: Verify the installation media - Memory test: Test your computer's RAM for errors Live Environment Exploration Testing Before Installation The live environment lets you: - Test hardware compatibility: Check Wi-Fi, graphics, audio, and other components - Explore the interface: Get familiar with Linux Mint's desktop - Access the internet: Connect to Wi-Fi and browse the web - Run applications: Try installed software to see how it works - Access files: Read (but not modify) files on your hard drive Key Applications to Test 1. Web browser: Firefox for internet connectivity 2. File manager: Nemo for file system navigation 3. System settings: Check all hardware is recognized 4. Software Manager: Browse available applications 5. Terminal: Test command-line functionality Starting the Installation Launch the Installer 1. Double-click desktop icon: Look for "Install Linux Mint" on the desktop 2. Or use menu: Access through the applications menu 3. Administrator password: May prompt for password (usually blank) Welcome Screen - Language selection: Choose your preferred language - Continue: Click "Continue" to proceed Installation Configuration Keyboard Layout 1. Detect layout: Let the installer detect your keyboard 2. Manual selection: Or choose from the list manually 3. Test: Type in the test field to verify correct layout 4. Continue: Proceed to the next step Software Installation Options - Install multimedia codecs: Recommended for playing various media formats - Download updates: Install latest updates during installation - Install third-party software: Include drivers for graphics and hardware Installation Type Option 1: Erase Disk and Install (Simplest) Best for: Complete beginners or dedicated Linux computers - Automatic partitioning: Installer handles everything - Entire disk: Uses the whole hard drive for Linux Mint - Data loss: All existing data will be erased - Encryption: Option to encrypt the installation for security Option 2: Install Alongside Existing OS Best for: Users wanting to keep Windows - Dual boot: Both operating systems available at startup - Automatic partitioning: Installer creates appropriate partitions - Guided process: Slider to adjust space allocation - Safe: Preserves existing operating system and data Option 3: Manual Partitioning (Advanced) Best for: Experienced users wanting complete control - Custom partitions: Create your own partitioning scheme - Multiple drives: Utilize multiple storage devices - Specific requirements: Separate home partition, custom sizes - Advanced features: LVM, RAID, or specific file systems Partition Setup for Beginners If using manual partitioning, create these basic partitions: Root Partition (/) - Size: 20-50 GB minimum - File system: ext4 - Mount point: / - Primary: Yes Home Partition (/home) - Optional but Recommended - Size: Remaining space minus swap - File system: ext4 - Mount point: /home - Advantage: Preserves user data during reinstallation Swap Partition - Size: Equal to RAM amount (up to 8 GB) - File system: swap - Mount point: none - Purpose: Virtual memory and hibernation support User Account Creation 1. Full name: Your real name (used for display purposes) 2. Username: Login name (lowercase, no spaces) 3. Computer name: Network identifier for your computer 4. Password: Strong password for security 5. Password confirmation: Retype password to confirm 6. Login options: - Require password to log in (recommended) - Log in automatically (less secure but convenient) - Encrypt home folder (additional security) Installation Progress What Happens During Installation - File copying: Linux Mint files copied to hard drive - Package installation: Essential software packages installed - Bootloader setup: GRUB bootloader configured for system startup - User account setup: Your user profile and settings configured - Hardware configuration: Drivers and hardware support configured Installation Time Typical installation takes: - SSD: 10-20 minutes for fast solid-state drives - HDD: 20-45 minutes for traditional hard drives - USB 2.0: Slower if installing from USB 2.0 drive - System specs: Faster computers complete installation quicker During Installation - Read the slides: Learn about Linux Mint features - Stay connected: Keep internet connection for updates - Don't interrupt: Avoid powering off during installation - Prepare post-installation: Think about software you'll need Post-Installation Configuration First Boot and Initial Setup System Updates Immediately after installation: 1. Update Manager: Icon appears in system tray 2. Install updates: Click and install all available updates 3. Restart if needed: Some updates require system restart 4. Package lists: Update software repository information Welcome Screen Configuration Linux Mint's welcome screen helps configure: - System snapshots: Set up automatic system backups - Firewall: Enable the built-in firewall protection - Themes: Customize desktop appearance - Software sources: Configure update and software repositories Essential Software Installation Web Browsers While Firefox is pre-installed, you might want alternatives: - Google Chrome: Download from google.com/chrome - Chromium: Open-source Chrome alternative (available in Software Manager) - Brave: Privacy-focused browser - Microsoft Edge: Now available for Linux Media Players and Codecs Pre-installed multimedia support is good, but consider: - VLC Media Player: Plays virtually any media format - Audacity: Audio editing and recording - GIMP: Advanced image editing - Blender: 3D modeling and animation Office Suites - LibreOffice: Pre-installed, compatible with Microsoft Office - OnlyOffice: Modern interface, excellent MS Office compatibility - WPS Office: Alternative office suite with familiar interface - Google Docs: Access through web browser Development Tools (for programmers) - Visual Studio Code: Popular code editor - Git: Version control system - Node.js: JavaScript runtime - Python: Programming language (usually pre-installed) - Docker: Containerization platform System Utilities - Synaptic Package Manager: Advanced software management - GParted: Disk partition management - BleachBit: System cleaning utility - htop: Enhanced system process monitor - Neofetch: System information display tool Driver Installation Graphics Drivers NVIDIA Graphics 1. Driver Manager: Open from Menu → Administration → Driver Manager 2. Automatic detection: System detects NVIDIA hardware 3. Install recommended: Choose the recommended proprietary driver 4. Restart required: Reboot after installation 5. Verify installation: Check System Settings → Graphics AMD Graphics - Built-in support: Modern AMD cards work with open-source drivers - Additional drivers: Check Driver Manager for enhanced options - Performance: Open-source drivers often perform well Intel Graphics - Automatic support: Intel graphics work out of the box - No additional installation: Usually no action required Network Drivers - Wi-Fi cards: Most work automatically, check Driver Manager for issues - Ethernet: Typically work without configuration - Bluetooth: Usually functions out of the box System Customization Desktop Appearance 1. Themes: Right-click desktop → Change Desktop Background 2. Window themes: System Settings → Themes 3. Icon themes: Customize icon appearance 4. Fonts: Adjust system and application fonts 5. Effects: Enable or disable desktop effects Panel and Menu Customization 1. Right-click panel: Access customization options 2. Add applets: Install additional panel widgets 3. Rearrange items: Drag and drop to reorganize 4. Panel height: Adjust panel size and position 5. Menu button: Customize main menu appearance Keyboard Shortcuts 1. System Settings: Open keyboard settings 2. Shortcuts tab: View and modify shortcuts 3. Custom shortcuts: Add your own key combinations 4. Application shortcuts: Quick access to frequently used programs Troubleshooting Common Issues Boot Problems Grub Bootloader Issues Problem: System won't boot, shows GRUB error Solutions: 1. Boot from live USB: Start Linux Mint live environment 2. Open terminal: Launch terminal application 3. Reinstall GRUB: Use commands to repair bootloader 4. Update GRUB: Refresh bootloader configuration Dual Boot Problems Problem: Windows or Linux Mint not appearing in boot menu Solutions: 1. Update GRUB: Run `sudo update-grub` in terminal 2. Check BIOS settings: Ensure correct boot mode (UEFI/Legacy) 3. Repair Windows boot: May need Windows recovery tools 4. Reinstall bootloader: Complete GRUB reinstallation Hardware Issues Wi-Fi Not Working Diagnostic steps: 1. Check hardware switch: Ensure Wi-Fi is enabled physically 2. Driver Manager: Look for additional Wi-Fi drivers 3. Network settings: Verify Wi-Fi is enabled in settings 4. USB Wi-Fi adapter: Consider USB adapter as alternative Common fixes: - Install proprietary drivers through Driver Manager - Use ethernet connection to download Wi-Fi drivers - Check for kernel updates that include driver fixes Graphics Problems Symptoms: Black screen, low resolution, poor performance Solutions: 1. Safe graphics mode: Boot with nomodeset parameter 2. Driver installation: Install proper graphics drivers 3. Fallback drivers: Use open-source drivers if proprietary fail 4. Display settings: Adjust resolution and refresh rate Audio Issues Problem: No sound or poor audio quality Troubleshooting: 1. Volume settings: Check all volume controls 2. Output device: Verify correct audio output selected 3. PulseAudio: Restart audio system if needed 4. ALSA mixer: Use alsamixer for advanced audio control Software Problems Package Manager Issues Problem: Cannot install software or updates Solutions: 1. Update package lists: Refresh software repositories 2. Fix broken packages: Use terminal commands to repair 3. Change servers: Switch to different software mirrors 4. Clear cache: Remove corrupted downloaded packages Performance Issues Symptoms: Slow system, high resource usage Optimization strategies: 1. Check startup programs: Disable unnecessary auto-start applications 2. Monitor resources: Use System Monitor to identify resource hogs 3. Add RAM: Consider hardware upgrade if needed 4. SSD upgrade: Replace hard drive with solid-state drive 5. Lighter desktop: Switch to MATE or Xfce for better performance Security Best Practices System Security User Account Security 1. Strong passwords: Use complex, unique passwords 2. Limited privileges: Avoid using root account for daily tasks 3. Screen lock: Enable automatic screen locking 4. Guest account: Consider disabling guest access if not needed Firewall Configuration 1. Enable firewall: Use built-in UFW (Uncomplicated Firewall) 2. Basic rules: Default deny incoming, allow outgoing 3. Application rules: Configure rules for specific applications 4. Monitoring: Periodically check firewall logs Software Security 1. Official repositories: Install software only from trusted sources 2. Regular updates: Keep system and applications updated 3. Avoid PPAs: Be cautious with third-party repositories 4. Signature verification: Verify downloads when possible Privacy Protection Data Privacy 1. File permissions: Properly set file and directory permissions 2. Encryption: Consider full-disk encryption for sensitive data 3. Browser privacy: Configure Firefox for enhanced privacy 4. Network privacy: Use VPN when on public Wi-Fi System Monitoring 1. Log reviews: Periodically check system logs for anomalies 2. Process monitoring: Watch for unusual system processes 3. Network monitoring: Monitor network connections and traffic 4. File integrity: Use tools to verify system file integrity Maintenance and Optimization Regular Maintenance Tasks Weekly Tasks 1. System updates: Check for and install system updates 2. Package cache: Clean package manager cache 3. Disk usage: Monitor disk space usage 4. System performance: Check system resource usage Monthly Tasks 1. System backup: Create backup of important data and settings 2. Log cleanup: Clean old system logs 3. Software audit: Remove unused applications 4. Security check: Review system security settings System Backup Strategies Built-in Backup Tools - Timeshift: System snapshots and restoration - rsync: Command-line backup utility - Deja Dup: Simple backup tool with GUI External Backup Solutions - External drives: USB or external hard drives - Cloud storage: Online backup services - Network storage: NAS or server backups Performance Optimization System Tweaks 1. Startup optimization: Disable unnecessary startup applications 2. Service management: Disable unused system services 3. Swappiness: Adjust swap usage behavior 4. File system: Consider file system optimization 5. SSD optimization: Enable TRIM for solid-state drives Memory Management 1. RAM usage: Monitor memory consumption 2. Swap usage: Adjust swap settings for your usage pattern 3. Cache management: Configure system cache behavior 4. Memory leaks: Identify and address memory-consuming processes Advanced Configuration Command Line Basics Essential commands every Linux Mint user should know: ```bash File operations ls -la # List files with details cd /path/to/dir # Change directory pwd # Show current directory mkdir foldername # Create directory rm filename # Remove file cp source dest # Copy files mv source dest # Move/rename files System information htop # Process monitor df -h # Disk space usage free -h # Memory usage uname -a # System information Package management sudo apt update # Update package lists sudo apt upgrade # Upgrade packages sudo apt install package # Install package sudo apt remove package # Remove package ``` Terminal Customization 1. Bash aliases: Create shortcuts for common commands 2. Custom prompt: Modify terminal prompt appearance 3. Color scheme: Customize terminal colors 4. Keyboard shortcuts: Set up convenient key combinations System Configuration Files Important Configuration Locations - User settings: ~/.config/ directory - System settings: /etc/ directory - User profile: ~/.profile and ~/.bashrc - Application configs: ~/.local/share/ Backup Configuration Always backup configuration files before modification: ```bash cp ~/.bashrc ~/.bashrc.backup cp /etc/fstab /etc/fstab.backup ``` Conclusion Your Linux Mint Journey Congratulations on successfully installing Linux Mint! You've taken the first step into the world of open-source computing, joining millions of users worldwide who enjoy the freedom, security, and customization that Linux offers. What You've Accomplished - Successful installation: You've installed a complete, functional operating system - Hardware compatibility: Your system is running with proper hardware support - Basic configuration: Essential settings and software are in place - Security setup: Basic security measures are configured - Foundation knowledge: You understand the basics of Linux system management Immediate Next Steps (First Week) 1. Explore applications: Try different pre-installed software 2. Customize interface: Adjust themes, wallpapers, and settings to your preference 3. Install essential software: Add applications you need for daily tasks 4. Create backups: Set up automated backup systems 5. Join the community: Connect with Linux Mint forums and local user groups Short-term Goals (First Month) 1. Learn keyboard shortcuts: Improve productivity with key combinations 2. Terminal basics: Become comfortable with command-line operations 3. System maintenance: Establish regular update and maintenance routines 4. Troubleshooting skills: Learn to diagnose and fix common issues 5. Security practices: Implement comprehensive security measures Long-term Development (Ongoing) 1. Advanced features: Explore system administration and advanced configuration 2. Contribute back: Help other new users in forums and communities 3. Stay updated: Keep informed about Linux Mint developments and best practices 4. Expand knowledge: Learn about other aspects of Linux and open-source software 5. Share experience: Document and share your learning journey with others The Linux Mint Community Getting Help - Official forums: The Linux Mint community forums are excellent resources - Documentation: Comprehensive documentation available on the official website - Local user groups: Many cities have Linux user groups that meet regularly - Online communities: Reddit, Discord, and other platforms have active Linux communities - IRC channels: Real-time chat support available Contributing Back As you gain experience with Linux Mint: - Help newcomers: Answer questions in forums and communities - Report bugs: Contribute to improving Linux Mint by reporting issues - Documentation: Help improve guides and documentation - Translation: Assist with translating Linux Mint into your native language - Financial support: Consider donating to support Linux Mint development Final Thoughts Linux Mint represents more than just a free alternative to commercial operating systems—it embodies the principles of open-source software: freedom, community, and continuous improvement. By choosing Linux Mint, you've joined a global community committed to making computing accessible, secure, and user-friendly for everyone. Your journey with Linux Mint is just beginning. Take your time to explore, experiment, and learn. Don't be afraid to try new things—one of Linux's greatest strengths is the ability to customize and modify your system to match your exact needs and preferences. Remember that every expert was once a beginner. The Linux community is built on helping each other learn and grow. As you become more comfortable with Linux Mint, consider sharing your knowledge and experiences with others who are just starting their journey. Welcome to Linux Mint, and welcome to the world of open-source computing! --- Ready to explore more? Check out our other Linux guides for advanced topics, software recommendations, and tips for getting the most out of your Linux Mint system. The adventure has just begun!