How to install Ubuntu

The free, open-source Ubuntu is a popular distribution of the Linux operating system. An Ubuntu live disc lets you try Ubuntu without affecting your current operating system. If you decide you like Ubuntu after you have evaluated it through its live disc, you can install it on your hard drive.

Creating a bootable Ubuntu disc - A bootable Ubuntu disc is a live CD or DVD. To create your Ubuntu live disc, do the following:

1. Go to Download Ubuntu and select either 32-bit or 64-bit according to the processor in your PC.
2. Click Start download and then wait for your Ubuntu ISO file to finish downloading.
3. Create your bootable disc by burning your ISO file to a writable CD or DVD.

Evaluating Ubuntu - Before installing Ubuntu, you should evaluate it through its live disc. To evaluate Ubuntu, do the following:

1. Create your bootable Ubuntu disc according to the section above.
2. Place your bootable Ubuntu live disc into your optical drive, reboot your PC and then, at the Welcome window, click Try Ubuntu to run the live disc.
3. Experiment with Ubuntu to decide whether your wish to install it in your PC.
4. If you decide to install Ubuntu, continue according to the section below. Note: To exit the live disc without installing Ubuntu, click the gear icon in the upper right corner, click Shut Down, click Restart, remove the disc and then press Enter.

Installing Ubuntu - To install Ubuntu on your PC, do the following:

1. Evalulate Ubuntu according to the section above, and then click Install Ubuntu.
2. As prompted, select your language, and verify that your PC meets minimum requirements.
3. Select how you wish to install Ubuntu. For example, if you have replaced the motherboard in your PC, you need to select Erase disk and install Ubuntu.
4. In the Where are you? window, select your time zone; in the Keyboard layout window, select your keyboard; and then in the Who are you? window, type your name and password (its other fields fill automatically).
5. After the installation completes, click Restart Now to boot the Ubuntu operating system you have installed.
6. Use Update Manager to install the newest software changes to Ubuntu.