Ubuntu is one of the most popular and easy-to-use operating systems and a very good alternative for those who want an open source work environment.
Below is a guide for those who want to install Ubuntu Linux on a Windows.
- First you need to make sure that your computer can run Linux. To find out, check if it meets the following system requirements:
- 2 GHz dual-core processor
- 2 gigabytes of RAM (system memory)
- 25 gigabytes of hard disk space
- A DVD drive or a USB port on your computer
- Find a blank DVD disc or flash drive. To install Ubuntu Linux on your computer, you will first need to create an installer by placing the Ubuntu ISO file on a disc or flash drive.
If you use a DVD, a standard 4.5 GB disc will be sufficient. If you choose to use a flash drive, make sure it is at least 2 GB.
- Download the Ubuntu Linux ISO file. Go to: https://www.ubuntu.com/download/desktop
Scroll down and click “Download” to the right of your preferred version, the latest LTS version is 18.10.
Scroll down and click the “Not now, go to the download link” button.
Wait for the download to begin or click the “download now” link.
- Copy the ISO file to a DVD. You can also use a flash drive, but you'll need to format it to either FAT32 (Windows) or MS-DOS (FAT) (Mac), and then use UNetBootin or Rufus to make the flash drive recognizable to your computer's operating system.
- Partition your computer's hard drive. By creating partitions on your hard drive, you allow that part to act as a separate hard drive. This is where you'll install Linux, so it should be at least five gigabytes in size. The Ubuntu support page recommends at least 25 gigabytes of free space.
6. Make sure you have the installer installed. The DVD or flash drive should be inserted or connected to your computer. Once you are sure the installer is connected and you have completed the remaining steps in this section, you can proceed to install Ubuntu Linux on your Windows computer.
How to install Ubuntu on a Windows computer
- Click the Windows logo in the lower left corner of the screen.
- Click the Power icon in the lower-left corner of the window. A pop-up menu will appear.
- Click Restart. This will restart your computer.
- Wait for the Linux installation window to appear. Once your computer has finished restarting and you are back to the desktop, the installation window will appear. This usually happens within a few minutes. Depending on your security settings, you may need to log in to your computer before the desktop appears. If you are using a USB flash drive and the Linux installation window does not appear, restart your computer and open the BIOS, then find the “Boot Order” section, select the USB drive option (usually Removable Devices), and press the + button to move the USB flash drive to the top.
- Click the language you want to use for Ubuntu, then click “Continue” in the bottom right corner.
- Click on “Install Ubuntu.” It’s on the right side of the window
- Check both boxes on the “Preparing to install Ubuntu” page. Check the “Download updates when installing Ubuntu” boxes and the “Install third-party graphics software…” box
- Click the “Continue” button. It’s in the lower-right corner of the window.
- Check the box for “Erase disk and install Ubuntu.” This option is at the top of the window.
- Click the “Install Now” button. It’s in the bottom right corner.
- Click the “Continue” button when prompted. This will begin the Ubuntu installation process.
- Select an area on the world map that appears, and then click the “Continue” button.
- Click a language on the left side of the window, then click a language version (e.g. US) on the right side and click “Continue.”.
- Enter your user details. Fill in the following fields:
"Your name"
“Your computer name” – The name you want your computer to use.
“Choose a username” – Type a username you want to use for your Ubuntu profile.
“Choose a password” – Enter a password.
“Confirm password” – Retype the password.
- Select “Automatically log in” or “Require my password to log in” in the center of the page and click the “Continue” button.
- Click “Reboot Now” when prompted. This will bring up a screen where you can select your preferred operating system (e.g. Ubuntu or Windows).
- Select Ubuntu and press Enter. This will boot your computer into Ubuntu Linux instead of restarting Windows. You now have Linux installed on your Windows computer.
