How to Install Ubuntu

In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of installing Ubuntu, a popular Linux distribution. Whether you're new to Linux or a seasoned user, Ubuntu is a great choice for its user-friendliness, stability, and extensive software repository.

This guide is intended for those who want to perform a clean installation of Ubuntu on their computer, alongside or replacing another operating system.

Prerequisites

Before we get started, make sure you have the following:

A USB drive with at least 4 GB of storage
A computer with an internet connection
An existing operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux) to create the bootable USB drive
Basic knowledge of your computer's BIOS or UEFI settings

Step 1: Download Ubuntu

First, download the Ubuntu ISO file from the official website:

Visit the Ubuntu download page
Select the version of Ubuntu you want to install (LTS for long-term support or the latest release for the newest features)
Click the "Download" button
Save the ISO file to your computer

Step 2: Create a Bootable USB Drive

Now, we'll create a bootable USB drive using the downloaded ISO file. The process differs slightly depending on your existing operating system:

Windows

Download Rufus, a free and open-source USB creation tool
Insert your USB drive into the computer
Open Rufus and select the USB drive under "Device"
In the "Boot selection" dropdown, choose "Disk or ISO image"
Click the "Select" button and locate the downloaded Ubuntu ISO file
Ensure "Partition scheme" is set to "GPT" and "Target system" is "UEFI"
Click "Start" and wait for Rufus to create the bootable USB drive

macOS

Download and install balenaEtcher
Insert your USB drive into the computer
Open balenaEtcher and click "Select image" to choose the downloaded Ubuntu ISO file
Click "Select target" and choose your USB drive
Click "Flash!" and wait for balenaEtcher to create the bootable USB drive

Linux

Open the terminal
Install the gnome-disk-utility package if not already installed:
```
sudo apt-get install gnome-disk-utility
```
Insert your USB drive into the computer
Open the "Disks" application
Select your USB drive and click the gear icon (⚙️), then "Restore Disk Image"
Locate the downloaded Ubuntu ISO file and click "Start Restoring"

Step 3: Boot from the USB Drive

Turn off your computer
Insert the bootable USB drive into your computer
Turn on your computer and immediately press the key to access the BIOS or UEFI settings (typically F2, F10, F12, Del, or Esc, but it varies by manufacturer)
Find the "Boot Order" or "Boot Priority" settings and move the USB drive to the top of the list
Save the changes and exit the BIOS or UEFI settings
Your computer should now boot from the USB drive, and you'll see the Ubuntu installation menu

Step 4: Begin Ubuntu Installation

Once the Ubuntu installation menu appears, select your preferred language and click "Install Ubuntu"

Choose your keyboard layout and click "Continue"

Select your preferred installation type:

Normal Installation: Includes most common software and the option to download updates during the installation
Minimal Installation: Only includes basic utilities and a web browser

Check "Install third-party software for graphics and Wi-Fi hardware, Flash, MP3 and other media" if you'd like to include additional drivers and codecs (recommended for most users)

Click "Continue"

Step 5: Complete the Installation

Choose how you'd like to install Ubuntu:

"Erase disk and install Ubuntu": This will delete all data on your selected drive and install Ubuntu. Warning: This will permanently delete your data.
"Install Ubuntu alongside [existing OS]": This will create a dual-boot setup, allowing you to choose between Ubuntu and your existing operating system at startup

Select the drive on which you'd like to install Ubuntu

Click "Install Now" and confirm any changes to the drive partitions

Choose your time zone on the map and click "Continue"

Enter your name, computer name, username, and password, then click "Continue"

Wait for the installation to complete

Step 6: Post-Installation Setup

Once the installation is complete, you'll see a prompt to restart your computer. Remove the USB drive and click "Restart Now". Your computer will restart, and you'll be greeted by the Ubuntu login screen. Enter your password to start using Ubuntu!

Take some time to familiarize yourself with the Ubuntu interface and explore the pre-installed applications. Open the "Software & Updates" application to check for updates and install any available software.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You've successfully installed Ubuntu on your computer. Ubuntu is a powerful and user-friendly operating system that offers a vast ecosystem of applications and support. As you become more comfortable with Ubuntu, you'll find that it's a versatile and reliable alternative to other operating systems.

Feel free to explore the Ubuntu community resources, like the Ubuntu Forums and Ask Ubuntu, for further assistance and to learn more about using your new OS. Happy computing!