How to Install Ubuntu

So, you want to try Ubuntu? Great! It's a popular and easy-to-use operating system. Think of it like a supercharged, free version of Windows or macOS. This guide will walk you through installing it. No tech degree needed!

Why Choose Ubuntu?

Why pick Ubuntu over other options? Here's the lowdown:

• Easy to Use: Ubuntu looks nice and is easy to figure out. Even if you're new to Linux.
• Tons of Software: Need a word processor? Web browser? Ubuntu has it.
• Helpful Community: Got questions? Lots of people use Ubuntu and are ready to help you.
• Safe and Stable: Ubuntu is known for being secure and reliable.
• Free!: Ubuntu is free. No cost at all.
• Works with Most Computers: Ubuntu plays nice with most hardware out there.

Before You Start

Before we get started, make sure you have these things:

• A Computer: You'll need a computer that can handle Ubuntu. A basic one will do!
• Internet: For downloading Ubuntu.
• USB Drive or DVD: To install Ubuntu, you need a USB drive (at least 4 GB) or a blank DVD.
• Backup: Important! Back up your stuff! It's always smart to back up your data before you install a new operating system.

Let's Install Ubuntu!

Step 1: Download Ubuntu

First, download the Ubuntu file. It's called an "ISO image."

1. Go here: https://ubuntu.com/download/desktop
2. Pick the latest Ubuntu version. The "LTS" version is usually the best choice for stability.
3. The download should start. This could take a bit, depending on your internet.

Step 2: Make a Bootable USB Drive or DVD

Next, you need to put the Ubuntu file on a USB drive or DVD. This makes it "bootable."

USB Drive

You'll need a special tool for this. Here are a few options:

• Rufus (Windows): Simple and quick.
• Etcher (Windows, macOS, Linux): Works on different computers and easy to use.
• UNetbootin (Windows, macOS, Linux): Another popular choice.

Here's how to use Rufus:

1. Download and install Rufus from https://rufus.ie/
2. Open Rufus.
3. Choose your USB drive from the "Device" menu.
4. Click "SELECT" and pick the Ubuntu ISO file you downloaded.
5. Leave the other settings alone.
6. Click "START."
7. Warning! This will erase everything on the USB drive. Click "OK" to continue.
8. Rufus will now make the USB drive bootable.
9. Click "CLOSE" when it's done.

DVD

You can also use a DVD. You'll need DVD burning software:

• ImgBurn (Windows): Free and powerful.
• Brasero (Linux): Usually comes with Linux.
• Disk Utility (macOS): Built-in on Macs.

Just choose the Ubuntu ISO file and burn it to the DVD.

Step 3: Boot from the USB Drive or DVD

Now, tell your computer to start from the USB drive or DVD.

1. Put the USB drive or DVD in your computer.
2. Restart your computer.
3. As it starts up, press a key to get to the "boot menu." This key is different for every computer. It's usually F2, F12, Delete, or Esc. Look for a message on the screen.
4. In the boot menu, choose your USB drive or DVD drive.
5. Your computer will now start from the Ubuntu installation.

Step 4: Start Installing Ubuntu

You should now see the Ubuntu welcome screen.

1. Choose "Try Ubuntu" to test Ubuntu. Or, choose "Install Ubuntu" to start installing it right away. Trying Ubuntu first is a good idea! You can make sure everything works.
2. If you try Ubuntu, click the "Install Ubuntu" icon on the desktop to start the install.
3. Pick your language and click "Continue."

Step 5: Choose Installation Options

Next, you'll see some choices.

1. Keyboard: Pick your keyboard and click "Continue."
2. Updates:
   • Choose to download updates while installing. This is a good idea.
   • Choose to install software for graphics, Wi-Fi, and other stuff. Also a good idea!
   Click "Continue."
3. How to Install: Important! This is where you decide how to install Ubuntu. You have two main choices:
   • Erase disk and install Ubuntu: This will erase everything on your hard drive! It's the easiest way, but make sure you have backed up your data!
   • Something else: This lets you choose where to install Ubuntu. It's more complicated, but good if you want to install Ubuntu alongside Windows.

Option 1: Erase Disk and Install Ubuntu

If you choose "Erase disk and install Ubuntu", just click "Install Now." Warning! This will erase everything. Click "Continue" to confirm.

Option 2: Something Else (Manual Partitioning)

If you choose "Something else," you'll need to create partitions. Partitions are like separate sections of your hard drive.

Here's a simple way to set up partitions:

• / (Root): This is where Ubuntu will be installed. You need at least 20 GB. File system: ext4. Mount point: /
• swap: This is used for virtual memory. Make it about the same size as your RAM. File system: swap.
• /home (Optional): This is where your files will be stored. If you have this on a separate partition, you can reinstall Ubuntu without losing your files. File system: ext4. Mount point: /home

To create a partition, select the free space and click the "+" button. Enter the size, file system, and mount point. Do this for each partition.

Once you have created the partitions, select the root partition and click "Install Now."

Step 6: Set Up Your Location and Account

1. Location: Pick your location on the map. This sets your time zone. Click "Continue."
2. Your Info: Enter your name, computer name, username, and password. Click "Continue."

Step 7: Installing Ubuntu

Ubuntu will now install. This could take 15-30 minutes.

Step 8: Restart

When it's done, you'll be asked to restart. Click "Restart Now."

Take out the USB drive or DVD before restarting.

Step 9: Log In

After restarting, you'll see the Ubuntu login screen. Enter your username and password.

After Installation

Here are a few things to do after installing Ubuntu:

• Update: Open the Terminal and run these commands:

  sudo apt update
  sudo apt upgrade

• Install Software: Use the Ubuntu Software Center to install apps.
• Customize: Change the theme, icons, and other settings.
• Install Drivers: If something isn't working, you might need drivers.

Help! It's Not Working!

Here are some common problems:

• Can't Boot from USB/DVD:
  • Make sure your computer is set to boot from USB or DVD in the BIOS.
  • Try a different USB drive or DVD.
  • Check if the ISO file was downloaded correctly.
• Installation Fails:
  • Check the installation logs for errors.
  • Make sure you have enough disk space.
  • Try downloading the ISO file again.
• Hardware Problems:
  • Check the Ubuntu hardware list.
  • Try a different version of Ubuntu.
  • Search the Ubuntu forums.

You Did It!

Installing Ubuntu is pretty easy. Have fun using your new operating system!

Now you know how to install Ubuntu. Enjoy!