Installing Ubuntu

A tutorial on how to install Ubuntu on your computer is completely redundantbecause it’s really that easy. I’ve installed Windows 7 for people and I’ve installed Ubuntu, as well as several other things. Based on my observation Ubuntu’s installer is the easier of the two.This is what you have to do: Download the disk image from the Ubuntu Website, burn it to a CD, put the CD in your computer and restart the computer. Welcome to Ubuntu!

Edit: Based on some feedback there are some things I would like to add:

  • The last step of the installation is to set a good password for your account
  • There’s a countdown to the next Ubuntu release; Ubuntu Natty Narwhal
  • If you’re looking for a reason to install Ubuntu you can find some there too
  • You can download an Ubuntu install disk from their downloads page
  • You can download it in 64 or 32 bit, Intel or AMD and other stuff
  • You can download it directly or torrent it (legally of course; Ubuntu is free software)
  • You can choose between a desktop, netbook or server edition
  • There’s an alternate installer with no graphics that uses less resources

Now, because there’s not much point telling you how to install it, here’s a short dialogue about the installer:

Will I still be able to use Windows or whatever if I install Ubuntu?
Yeah, absolutely. The installer can install Ubuntu next to your current OS so that when you start the computer you’re asked which one you’d like to use. Or you could do what I did and just wipe the Widows disk and replace it ;D
Do I need to know about ‘partitioning disks’ and stuff?
No, you don’t. The installer does that for you, unless you want to do it yourself.
Pero eu no hablo Inglés!
That’s OK! The first step of the installation is to choose the language you want to use, this will be the language you use on your computer when installation is done. It’s part of the Ubuntu philosophy that you should be able to use your computer in your own language.
自分の言語、非ラテン文字を使用しています。
That’s fine too! Ubuntu supports many different keyboard layouts for non-latin languages, as well as others such as the Dvorak layout, and you can choose them before you start installation. If you’re impaired in some way, for example visually impaired, Ubuntu has tools to help you install and use it too!
So, how do I set the time for the computer?
Easy, you’re shown a map of the world and you click your country/region. Ubuntu automatically detects your timezone (useful for daylight saving) and sets the time. If you’re not connected to the internet you can set it yourself.
I heard you can install lots of stuff, where does this come from?
That’s absolutely right, there are servers all over the world so there’s probably one near you, when you select your country the installer configures Ubuntu to download from the nearest server.
But I’ve never used Ubuntu before!
Don’t worry, during installation there’s a nice slide presentation while you wait for files to copy, it tells you all about the things you can do in Ubuntu like the social integration and office programs. If you ever get stuck there is a very large Ubuntu communitythat provides good support whenever you need it!And that’s it! If you yourself have some more questions you’d like me to answer, go ahead and ask in the comment box below! If you have an opinion on the installation process or you disagree with something I’ve said, I’d like to here it too!