Ubuntu is the most widely used desktop Linux distribution, and for good reason: it’s well-supported, straightforward to install, and has a large community behind it. If you’ve decided to try Linux, whether on a spare machine, a repurposed old laptop, or as your primary system, Ubuntu is the sensible starting point.
This is the first post in a series covering Ubuntu from installation through to everyday use. We start here: getting it onto a machine.
Before You Start
Choose Your Ubuntu Version
Ubuntu releases a new version every six months, with Long Term Support (LTS) releases every two years. LTS versions receive security updates and support for five years, making them the right choice for any serious or long-term use. Non-LTS releases are supported for only nine months.
When downloading, choose the current LTS release unless you have a specific reason to use a newer version. At time of writing, Ubuntu 19.10 LTS is the current release. Release number change, but installing which this post covers stays largely the same.
Ubuntu comes in several flavours with different desktop environments. The standard Ubuntu uses the GNOME desktop. Ubuntu LTS is the version to download for a first install.
Check System Requirements
Ubuntu 19.10 requires:
- 2 GHz dual-core processor or better
- 1 GB RAM minimum (8 GB recommended)
- 25 GB of free storage
- A bootable USB port or DVD drive
These are modest requirements. Ubuntu runs well on hardware that struggles with Windows 11, making it a practical option for extending the life of older machines.
What You’ll Need
- A USB drive of at least 8 GB (its contents will be erased)
- A computer to create the bootable USB (Windows, Mac, or Linux)
- The machine you’re installing Ubuntu onto
Step 1: Download Ubuntu
Go to ubuntu.com and download the Desktop LTS ISO. It’s approximately 5 GB.
Verify the download if you want to confirm the file hasn’t been corrupted or tampered with, Ubuntu provides SHA256 checksums on the download page. For most users, skipping this step is fine.
Step 2: Create a Bootable USB Drive
You need to write the Ubuntu ISO to a USB drive in a way that makes it bootable, simply copying the file doesn’t work.
On Windows: Use Rufus (rufus.ie). Select your USB drive, click the ISO image button and point it at the Ubuntu ISO, leave the default settings, and click Start. Rufus will handle partition scheme and boot mode automatically.
On macOS: Use Balena Etcher (balena.io/etcher). Open Etcher, select the ISO, select the USB drive, and click Flash.
On Linux: Balena Etcher works on Linux too, or use the dd command if you’re comfortable at the terminal.
The process takes a few minutes. The USB drive will no longer appear as normal storage afterwards, that’s expected.
Step 3: Boot from the USB Drive
Insert the USB drive into the machine you’re installing Ubuntu on and restart it.
To boot from the USB drive, you need to either change the boot order in the BIOS/UEFI, or use the boot device selection menu. The key to enter this menu varies by manufacturer:
- Dell: F12
- HP: F9 or Escape
- Lenovo: F12 or F1 (ThinkPad)
- ASUS: F8 or Escape
- Generic: Check the screen at POST for a “Boot Menu” prompt
- Windows 10/11: Shift + Restart for advanced boot then select boot menu options
Select the USB drive from the boot menu. The machine will load Ubuntu from the USB drive without touching the existing system.
Step 4: Try Ubuntu or Install It
Ubuntu boots into a live environment, a fully functional desktop running entirely from the USB drive. This lets you try Ubuntu without making any changes to the machine.
Take a few minutes to explore. Check that WiFi works, the display looks correct, and basic functionality is as expected. If something doesn’t work in the live environment, it’s likely to be an issue with the installation too, worth knowing before you commit.
When you’re ready, double-click Install Ubuntu on the desktop.
Step 5: Work Through the Installer
The installer is straightforward. You’ll be asked to:
Choose language and keyboard layout. Select your preferred language and confirm the keyboard layout matches your hardware.
Connect to WiFi (optional at this stage). You can connect during installation to download updates, or skip this and update afterwards.
Choose installation type. The installer offers a Normal installation (recommended) with a browser, office suite, and standard applications, or a Minimal installation with just the basics.
Check the boxes to install third-party software for graphics and WiFi hardware, and to download updates during installation if you’re connected.
Step 6: Partitioning
This is the step that requires the most attention. You’ll be asked how to use the storage on the machine.
Erase disk and install Ubuntu. Removes everything on the drive and installs Ubuntu on the full disk. Choose this if you’re dedicating the machine to Ubuntu and don’t need anything currently on it.
Install Ubuntu alongside [existing OS]. Sets up a dual-boot configuration, letting you choose at startup which OS to boot. The installer will resize the existing partition to make room. This is the option to choose if you want to keep Windows.
Something else (manual partitioning). For advanced users who want specific partition layouts. Not necessary for a standard installation.
If you’re installing alongside Windows, the slider in the next screen lets you allocate how much space each OS gets. Give Ubuntu at least 25 GB; more if this will be a primary system.
If you’re not certain which option applies to your situation, stop here and clarify before proceeding. Choosing the wrong partitioning option and erasing a drive is not recoverable without a backup.
Step 7: Set Up Your User Account
Enter your name, a computer name (used to identify the machine on the network), a username, and a password.
Choose a strong password. Enable the option to require a password to log in.
Step 8: Wait for the Installation to Complete
The installation typically takes 10–20 minutes depending on the machine and whether it’s downloading updates. When complete, you’ll be prompted to remove the USB drive and restart.
On reboot, Ubuntu loads from the internal drive. Log in with the credentials you set up, and you’re in.
First Steps After Installation
Update the system. Open a terminal (Ctrl+Alt+T) and run:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgradeThis fetches and installs any updates released since the ISO was built. It’s good practice to do this immediately after installation.
Install additional drivers if needed. Open Software & Updates > Additional Drivers to check for proprietary drivers for graphics cards, WiFi adapters, or other hardware that may perform better with them.
What’s Next?
Installation is the beginning. The next posts in this series cover the Ubuntu desktop, the terminal, software installation, and networking, building from basic use through to practical administration tasks.