Ubuntu is one of the most popular Linux distributions available today. With its easy-to-use interface, strong community support, and compatibility with a wide range of hardware, it’s a great choice for both beginners and experienced Linux users looking for a versatile and user-friendly operating system.
Installing Ubuntu is generally a smooth and straightforward process. However, there are a few things you can do to make sure your installation goes as flawlessly as possible. In this comprehensive, step-by-step guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to install Ubuntu like a pro, from creating bootable installation media to configuring settings after installation.
Table of Contents
Preparing for Installation
Before starting the installation process, it’s important to make sure your computer hardware is compatible and you have everything you need on hand.
Check Hardware Compatibility
Most standard PCs purchased within the last 5-10 years can run Ubuntu desktop without issue. However, you’ll want to verify compatibility to avoid any surprises. Specifically, check that:
- You have enough RAM (2 GB minimum for 32-bit, 4 GB for 64-bit)
- Your graphics card and other key hardware components are Linux-friendly
- Your WiFi adapter, if you have one, is supported
- You have at least 25 GB of storage space available
You can check hardware compatibility by researching your specific computer model or components. Sites like Ubuntu Certified also maintain lists of verified compatible devices.
Download Ubuntu .iso Image
You’ll need to download an Ubuntu .iso disc image file to create bootable installation media. You can get the latest version from the official Ubuntu downloads page.
Be sure to choose the 64-bit PC (AMD64) version of the image unless you have a very old 32-bit system. Also note whether you want the standard Ubuntu version or one of the official flavors like Kubuntu (KDE desktop) or Xubuntu (XFCE desktop).
Create Bootable Installation Media
The Ubuntu image file needs to be written to a USB flash drive or DVD/CD to be bootable.
To write the image, you can use Etcher which provides an easy-to-use interface that works on Windows, Mac, and Linux. Alternatively, Rufus on Windows or the built-in Disk Utility on Mac can be used.
Use a USB 3.0 flash drive that’s 8GB or larger for the best experience. Be sure to back up any important data on the drive as it will be completely erased.
Installing Ubuntu
With compatible hardware, the Ubuntu image, and bootable installation media ready to go, you’re all set for a flawless installation.
Boot from Installation Media
Insert your installation flash drive or DVD and restart your computer. As it’s booting, press the function key on your keyboard to bring up the boot menu (typically F12, F10, F2, or Escape). Select your installation media to boot the Ubuntu live environment.
If you don’t get the boot menu, you may need to adjust your BIOS settings to enable booting from USB or optical drives first. Access the BIOS by pressing the manufacturer’s designated key as soon as the computer starts (F2, F10, Delete are common options).
Launch Ubiquity Installer
With Ubuntu booted, the desktop environment will load. Double click the “Install Ubuntu” icon to launch the Ubiquity installer. This will walk you through the install process with a user-friendly graphical interface.
Note: If updates are available, install them now to ensure you get the most up-to-date version.
Follow On-Screen Instructions
Work through each step of the Ubiquity installer to set up Ubuntu on your computer:
- Language – Pick your preferred interface language
- Network connections – Configure WiFi or wired internet access
- Updates and other software – Install third-party media codecs, MP3, etc.
- Installation type – Choose to erase disk and install Ubuntu or “something else” for advanced partitioning
- Time zone – Set time zone based on location
- Keyboard layout – Ensure correct keyboard language/layout is detected
- User info – Create your account with username and password
The installer will then copy files and install Ubuntu. This may take 10-15 minutes depending on your system. Finally, it will prompt you to restart into the newly-installed OS.
Post-Install Configuration
After Ubuntu finishes restarting, you’ll be greeted by the login screen. Enter the username and password you created during installation to log in.
Take care of any post-install configuration:
- Run Software Updater to install the latest patches and updates
- Open “Software & Updates” to add additional software repositories like multimedia codecs
- Install any other desired apps like office suites, programming tools, games, etc.
- Personalize settings for your desktop theme, background, behavior, etc.
And that’s it! With that, Ubuntu should be installed perfectly and ready to use.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes issues can crop up during or after installation that prevent Ubuntu from functioning properly on your hardware. Here are some common problems and their solutions:
Can’t boot from installation media – If your computer doesn’t recognize or boot from the Ubuntu flash drive or DVD, you likely need to adjust the boot order or enable legacy BIOS mode in your system’s UEFI settings.
No WiFi connectivity – A missing proprietary driver is typically the issue. You can temporarily use wired ethernet to install the required wireless driver from Ubuntu’s Additional Drivers tool.
Graphics problems – Problems like screen flickering, tearing, or failing to start the graphical desktop often relate to an incompatible graphics card or required proprietary driver. Using Software & Updates to install the vendor driver usually resolves it.
Sound/audio not working – This can occur when an unsupported onboard audio chipset is detected. Trying different Linux-compatible audio drivers available in Software & Updates often fixes sound issues.
Can’t boot after installation – If Ubuntu gets stuck at boot, doesn’t load, or boots to a command line, there may be a graphics driver conflict. Booting into recovery mode and using the Additional Drivers tool to change drivers can help.
Installation fails or crashes – Bad installation media, low disk space, and hardware incompatibility are common culprits for failed Ubuntu installs. Verifying media integrity, freeing up storage, and checking hardware support can prevent these issues.
For additional troubleshooting tips, Ubuntu’s community documentation offers more detailed installation problem-solving steps. The forums and Ask Ubuntu site are also great places to find fixes for any issues you encounter.
Conclusion
Installing Ubuntu is typically an easy, intuitive process that allows even novice Linux users to get up and running quickly. Following the steps for hardware compatibility checks, bootable media creation, guided installation, and post-install configuration outlined in this guide will help ensure flawless Ubuntu deployment.
While you may run into an occasional issue like WiFi driver problems or graphics glitches, Ubuntu’s installer makes it easy to identify and fix these types of common errors. With some targeted troubleshooting, you can get Ubuntu running smoothly on most standard PCs.
