This post shows students and new users how to download and install Ubuntu Linux on their desktop or laptop computers. Ubuntu is an open source Linux operating system that runs on desktops, laptops, servers, and other devices.
Ubuntu Linux comes in two support versions: Long-term support (LTS) and Short-term support (STS). Ubuntu LTS versions are typically supported for five (5) years, while STS versions are supported for approximately 9 months.
Students and new users will find that the easiest place to start learning Linux is on the Ubuntu Linux operating system. It is a great Linux operating system for beginners.
As you learn Ubuntu, you will also discover that Linux is not that different than Windows and other operating systems in many ways, especially when it comes to using the system to get work done.
Ubuntu Linux is a great operating system for students and users who want to try something new.
To start installing Ubuntu Linux, follow the steps below:
How to download the Ubuntu ISO image
The latest versions of Ubuntu Linux come in 64-bit only, so you will need a computer that supports that architecture. You will also want a computer or laptop that can boot from a CD / DVD or flash drive as it will only download the ISO image.
There may be other means of obtaining a physical disk or flash drive, but you may need to purchase one.
With your computer ready, go and download the Ubuntu Linux ISO image from the link below, if you don’t have a physical media then burn the image to a DVD disc or flash drive.
When using Windows machines, you can right-click on the ISO image and select Burn Disc Image as shown in the picture below.
Then choose the DVD drive with a blank DVD disc to burn.
To record to a flash drive, you may have to take a different route. There are programs that should be able to help you do that.
After burning the image, transfer the DVD or flash drive to the computer where you want to install Ubuntu.
How to boot the Ubuntu ISO disk to install
Now that the image is on a DVD / Flash drive, insert it into the new computer and boot from it. Different computers have different ways of specifying where to boot from, find yours. You will most likely press a key when you turn on your computer. Esc, F2, F9, F12 etc.
When your computer boots from the DVD disc or flash drive, you should see a screen similar to below.
Click on the Install Ubuntu to begin the installation. You can try Ubuntu without making changes to your computer, but our goal is to install Ubuntu, so click Install Ubuntu continue.
Then select your Keyboard layout. Ubuntu installation selections American English Default keyboard layout. This is a good place to change it if it is not the default. Click Continue to proceed with the installation.
The installation should be preparing to install Ubuntu packages. On the next screen, you are offered the option to Download updates while installing Ubuntu which saves time after installation. and install third-party software for WiFi graphics devices and media codes.
You do not need to select these boxes. However, if you have a stable and reliable Internet connection, you may want to select these options to download important packages while Ubuntu is installing.
This screen is where you select the type of installation. The first choice for Erase the disk and install Ubuntu is the easiest of them. This option deletes everything on the hard drive and installs Ubuntu on it.
Option 2 Anything else – is to perform a custom installation for advanced users.
You can choose to encrypt Ubuntu and use other advanced settings, but for new users and students, select the first option to [ Erase disk and install Ubuntu ] and continue.
Click Install Now to start installing Ubuntu.
Accept that the installation will erase the hard drive and install Ubuntu on it. click Continuee to move on.
This screen is where you choose your time zone. Type the name of a city you live in and click Continue.
The next screen is where you enter the first user account and create a name for the computer. Enter your name, username and password and choose if you want to enter a password to always log in. When done, click Continue.
Wait for the installation to complete. this should take around 7 minutes depending on the speed of the computer. When the installation is complete, you will be prompted to reboot.
This is the last screen and the installation is complete. All you have to do is restart your computer, remove the disk from the drive, and log in again.
You will be prompted for the login screen after rebooting. Login with the credential created earlier.
You will have the opportunity to set up online accounts if you have one.
After logging back into Ubuntu, your first task should be to update Ubuntu. After logging in again, you may see a message to install the updates that are available.
If you see a message, continue under the update from the command line.
press Ctrl - Alt - T on your keyboard open the terminal. Then run the following commands to update Ubuntu.
sudo apt update && sudo apt dist-upgrade && sudo apt autoremove
Reboot one more time and you should be good to go.
Conclusion:
In this tutorial we have seen how to install Ubuntu Linux. If you find any errors above or have something to add, please use the comment form below.
