Introduction
After many requests for this information, I have drafted this general guide to help.
Important Information
Important points to note about this guide:
- I use an Ubuntu Live CD to install the OS. You can download Ubuntu here.
- I assume that you are installing only one OS: Ubuntu. Multi-boot guide coming soon...
- This guide assumes a "clean" installation. Ensure that you backup all of your important files (documents, music, etc) to CD/DVD/another hard drive before following these steps.
- All data will be lost using this guide exactly as written!
1) Shall we begin?: (Image 1.1)
After configuring the system to boot from a CD, the Ubuntu 9.10 Menu Language Selection screen appears.
Select your language of choice. Here, I picked English. |
2) Selection Screen: (Image 1.2)
This selection screen offers several choices:
- Try Ubuntu without any change to your computer - This selection will boot the Live CD and completely run the OS only from that CD. A perfect choice for those that just want to check out Linux or Ubuntu and not completely destroy data on their system.
- Install Ubuntu - This is the selection that I will be using. Warning: This will format the storage device you select later and remove all data from the system.
- Check disk for defects - A good option if this is your first time running the Live CD to ensure that all data was burned properly.
- Test memory - This test uses Memtest86+ v2.11 to check your memory. The check will take a long time (sometimes hours), depending on the system performance and amount of memory installed. If you desire to test your memory, you should download the latest version of Memtest86+ and boot off of that CD instead. The latest version as of this writing is 4.0 (September 22, 2009).
Make your choice by using the down arrow key and hitting enter. |
3) Language Selection: (Image 1.3)
After selecting Install Ubuntu in the previous step, the Ubuntu logo fades different colors while the install routine is loaded.
The first options you will come across are selections for Install Language.
Make your selection on the left and press the Forward button. |
4) Time Zone: (Image 1.4)
After a quick check for NTP access to sync the system clock from the internet, the time zone selection screen appears. Use the pull down menus to make your selection. Here, I picked United States and Pacific.
After selecting your time zone, press the Forward button. |
5) Keyboard Layout: (Image 1.5)
The keyboard Suggested Option: USA is already selected for me.
If you wish to change the default, select Choose your own: In either case, press the Forward button to continue installation.
6) Prepare Disk Space: (Image 2.1)
Since my current storage device has no data on it, Ubuntu detects no operating system installed. This is a good thing.
Here, I chose to allow Ubuntu to automatically setup my partition information for me by leaving the default Erase and use the entire disk selected.
One more warning: This will erase all data on the drive you have selected.
Press the Forward button to continue. |
7) Who Are You? (Image 2.2)
Fill in the requested information, such as name, your user account and computer name. It should be worth noting that the Forward button is disabled until a password is entered and confirmed. Ensure that you use a good password and not things like "default" or even worse, "pa$$word". Upper and lowercase letters, symbols and random characters (that you can remember) are a good choice.
Depending on personal preference and the environment you are using the system, you can select Log in automatically. I personally prefer the default of Require my password to log in.
Press the Forward button to continue. A dialog box warning of a weak password could appear. |
8) Ready To Install: (Image 2.3)
A summery appears with, once again, the data destroy warning...
Press the Install button to continue. |
9) Installing System: (Image 2.4)
A progress bar now appears while Ubuntu is setting up the system. |
10) Apt Get: (Image 2.5)
I suggest allowing Apt Get to continue setup tasks and do not press the Skip button here. |
11) Installation Complete: (Image 2.6)
Ubuntu is now installed.
Press the Restart Now button to reboot the system.
12) Boot In Progress: (Image 3.1)
The Ubuntu logo fades different colors while the system is initially booting. |
13) Progress Bar? (Image 3.2)
A more graphical progress bar appears on the screen while the system continues to boot. |
14) Log In: (Image 3.3)
The login screen now is displayed. Select your user account, enter your password and then press the Log In button. |
15) The Desktop: (Image 3.4)
The desktop now is displayed for the first time. |
16) Update Manager: (Image 3.5)
When booting for the first time and connected to the internet, the Update Manager is displayed automatically. I highly suggest that you select Install Updates at this time to ensure all packages are the latest and greatest, fixing bugs and possible security issues with a clean installation. The administrator password (created earlier in the installation process) is required before downloading new package files. |
17) Guide Finished: (Image 3.6)
Ubuntu 9.10 is now installed. Hope you enjoyed my guide and good luck with Ubuntu! |
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