Linux Guide/Installing (basic)

Here, we will cover installing an Ubuntu system to your hard drive. Most other distributions use a very similar installation process. If the differences between this documentation and your distro are too great, check the documentation provided for your distro.

Ubuntu Linux has quickly become the golden boy of open source and is considered by some as being the first truly easy-to-use Linux operating system. This is largely because of the installation process which allows the user to run the operating system prior to installation.

Boot the LiveCD

To start an install, place the Ubuntu CD (or DVD) in your computer and reboot.

When the computer starts again, it should display a screen with the Ubuntu logo displayed on it and a list of options. If your computer does not do so, you may need to set the BIOS to boot from CD.

Select the first option in the menu to boot into an Ubuntu desktop session. If you wish, you can get to know the Ubuntu operating system at this point. Using it in roughly the same manner that you would when fully installed (though it is advised not to log out).

Once you feel prepared to start installation, click on the "install" icon on the desktop.

Begin installation

Answer the questions on the first few screens of the installation window (language, location, etc.).

(Re-)Partitioning

For dual-boot systems, see Linux Guide/Installing (dual-boot).

For advanced partitioning schemes, see Linux Guide/Installing (advanced).

When you get to a screen asking which hard disk you wish to install to, select automatic partitioning unless you have planned in advance not to use this one. This will erase everything on your hard drive!

If you want to use one hard drive for multiple operating systems (for example, Windows and Linux), see Linux Guide/Installing (dual-boot).

If you want to use multiple partitions for your linux operating system (it is recommended to use separate partitions for / and /home at least), see Linux Guide/Installing (advanced).

Set up your user account

Continue to the next screen and then fill in your name and desired password. This will become your administrative account. If you do not want to use such on a daily basis, fill in your name as master user or such and place an appropriate account name in its text box. Using this account, you can create further accounts on the computer (note that the name Administrator is not available).

Once you have done this, click on Next, check the details are correct and click Next again to start the actual installation process which will likely take around 20 to 30 minutes at the most.

After this a prompt will appear saying that you should reboot. After doing so, Ubuntu is ready to be used.

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