Ubuntu is one of the most preferred open source operating systems today. Apart from being open source and free, Ubuntu Linux is highly customizable and consists of a Software Center full of free apps. For most people, Ubuntu was their first Linux-based operating system. And it only gets better by the day. Ubuntu is absolutely user-friendly. Just like Windows, Ubuntu can be installed really easily. It is very hassle-free and any person with basic computer knowledge can set up their system.
Amazingly, many people even consider Ubuntu way easier to use when and if compared to Windows. The Ubuntu desktop includes everything you require to run your organization, home, school, or enterprise. It is very accessible, secure, and free to download.
Below are the steps to install Ubuntu desktop on your computer, by using either your computer’s USB flash drive or a DVD drive:
Before you start with the installation, you have to prepare yourself with the following requirements:
- Keep your laptop connected to a power source.
- Make sure you are equipped with at least 25GB of free storage space in your computer. Or 5GB to ensure a minimal installation.
- You have access to either a USB flash drive or a DVD drive comprising the version of Ubuntu you prefer to install.
- Make sure you have maintained a recent backup of your data. It is highly unlikely that anything will go wrong, but it is always better to be prepared.
You are now ready to boot from DVD. Installing Ubuntu is easy. Here’s what you are to do:
- Insert Ubuntu DVD into your optical/DVD drive.
- Now restart your computer.
You will see the following window as soon as your computer starts booting:
In here, you need to select the preferred language from the list at the left. Also, you can directly install Ubuntu from here. Or you have the option to try out the desktop first before you choose to install. If you are satisfied with what you see, go ahead with the installation.
You may also see an alternative boot menu, depending on your computer’s configuration. You have to use your mouse cursor and select a language. You will then be presented with a more straightforward menu. It looks something like this:
If you are willing to install Ubuntu directly, click Install Ubuntu. Or if you want to test the desktop first, you can click the first option Try Ubuntu without installing. This will install Ubuntu after the trial.
In case you want to boot from USB Flash Drive, follow these steps:
It is more comfortable with a USB flash drive because most computers will boot from it automatically. All you need to do is insert the USB drive in your computer and either power on or restart your computer. You will be prompted with the same welcome window as in the Boot From DVD step. Follow through by selecting your preferred language and directly install, or try the Ubuntu desktop first.
In case, your computer does not automatically boot from the USB drive, press F12 for a few seconds when your computer is starting. You will then be prompted with a system specific boot menu, which will let you select your USB device.
As you are now done with booting your computer, you will now be required to prepare for installing Ubuntu.
First, you will be asked to select the layout of your keyboard. In case, the installer is unable to guess the default layer correctly, click on Detect Keyboard Layout button. This will run a short configuration procedure.
After clicking Continue, you will be prompted with What apps would you like to install to start with?, under which there will be two options namely, Normal installation and Minimal installation. The former consists of the old default bunch of utilities, games, applications, and media players. It makes for an excellent launchpad for any Linux installation. The latter takes relatively less storage space and lets you install only what you need.
Below these installation questions, you will find two checkboxes. One lets you enable updates while installing, the other lets you enable the third-party software.
- We would advise you to enable both Download updates while installing Ubuntu and Install third-party software for graphics and Wi-Fi hardware and additional media formats.
- Ensure that you are connected to the internet to receive the latest updates while you are installing Ubuntu.
- If your computer is not connected to the internet, you will be prompted to select a wireless network, if any available.
- We would advise you to connect as the installation is going on to ensure your computer is up to date.
The next step would be to allocate drive space. Here’s what you need to do:
You will now see four checkboxes where you will have to choose whether you would like to install Ubuntu alongside another operating system, erase your existing operating system, and replace it with Ubuntu. In case you are an advanced user, you may select the Something else option.
The installation begins now. Follow these steps to proceed further:
After storage configuration, select the Install Now option. A small pane will appear. This will show you an overview of the storage options you have chosen. It also provides you with the chance to go back in case the given details are incorrect.
Click on Continue. This will fix the required changes. The installation process starts now.
Next step is to select your location.
Your location will be detected automatically if your device is connected to the internet. Check if your location has been detected correctly. Click Forward to continue.
In case you are not sure of your time zone, type in your local town name or city. If neither works, make use of the map to select your exact location.
After this, you will be required to fill in your login details.
Enter your name, after which the installer will generate a computer name and username. You can easily change them if you choose to. The computer name is how your computer will display on the network. Your username will be your account name and login.
We recommend that you enter a strong password. The installer will prompt you if it is too weak.
You also have the option to choose the automatic login and home folder encryption. We advise you to keep automatic login disabled and enable encryption, in case your machine is portable. This ensures that people won’t be able to access your files in case your dis lost or stolen.
Keep in mind that when you enable home folder encryption, and you forget your password, you will not be able to retrieve any of your personal data stored in the Home Folder.
After this, the background installation will be completed. Meanwhile, the installation window teaches you about the benefits of installing Ubuntu. The installation should only take a couple of minutes, depending on the network connection.
After everything has been configured and installed, you will be prompted with a small window asking you to restart your computer. Select Restart Now and remove either the USB flash drive or the DVD once prompted.
You are also given the option to continue testing if you had initiated the installation while testing the desktop.
Congratulations, you now have the world’s most renowned Linux operating system. You can go and have fun with all the awesome things it has to over.
