How to Put Android on a Netbook

1. Back up any data on your netbook that you want to keep; installing Android onto the netbook's hard drive or SSD will erase all current data. The files can also back up to a portable hard drive or flash drive via USB, or to an online storage website, such as DropBox (dropbox.com), ADrive (adrive.com) or Mozy (mozy.com).

2. Download the PC version of Android from the Android website (android-x86.com); it is the file that ends with 'x86.' Wait for it to finish downloading, which could take a long time if you have a slow Internet connection.

3. Download and install a program that makes an ISO bootable, such as Unetbootin (sourceforge.com), Universal USB Installer (pendrivelinux.com) or LinuxLive USB Creator (linuxliveusb.com).

4. Insert a USB flash drive into one of the USB ports on your computer. Remove any files on the flash drive that you don't want deleted.

5. Launch the program you downloaded. Select your flash drive under 'Drives,' and then click 'Browse' and select the Android ISO. Review the information; if it is correct, click 'OK' or 'Start,' depending on the program. Wait for the ISO's contents to transfer to the flash drive. Click 'Exit' when the program is finished. Disconnect the flash drive from your computer if you're using a machine other than your netbook.

6. Restart your netbook. Look at the boot screen for a phrase that specifies a button to press for BIOS. Press that button and BIOS will start. Select 'Boot Sequence' and move USB above 'Internal Hard Drive' using the arrow keys. Click 'Save and Exit.' The netbook will automatically restart and boot from the USB flash drive.

7. Select 'Installation' from the menu that appears. Installation prompts will appear. Agree to the Terms of Service; then enter the required information. Click 'Install.' Wait for Android to install on your netbook, and then click 'Restart.' Quickly remove the USB flash drive. The netbook will boot from the internal hard drive with Android when it fails to detect a USB device.