This guide is intended for long-time Windows users who want to try the Linux desktop. And our choice is the Ubuntu Desktop and its latest long-term-support (LTS) edition 20.04, codename Focal Fossa.
TABLE OF CONTENT
Ubuntu Desktop - Prerequisites
Before installing Ubuntu Desktop, you must acquire an installation image. You will also have to create an installation media. You will need a USB stick of at least 4GB, so make sure you have it ready.
Please click on the button below this text to download the Ubuntu installation image:
We suggest you save the image at the default location. On Windows, usually, that is the default Downloads folder. Now that you have an image, you will need something to create your installation media. Rufus will allow you to create an installation media. With a USB stick ready, you can download the Rufus application by clicking the button below this text.
With Ubuntu ISO and Rufus in place, you can create installation media.
Create Installation Media
Go to a location where you downloaded Rufus and right-click on the file. From the drop-down menu, click on Run As Administrator:
Rufus - Run As Administrator
With Rufus running, click on the SELECT button:
Rufus - Select Button
Once you click on the SELECT button, a new window will open. It will allow you to select the Ubuntu installation image. Go to a location where you saved the image, select it and click Open:
Rufus - Select ISO image
After selecting the image, you only need to input the name in the Volume label field (we opted for Ubuntu_20_04_LTS). You can leave other options as they are. Once done, click on the START button:
Rufus - Start operation
If all goes well, Rufus will inform you that everything is good by highlighting the READY bar in green color. The operation will take several minutes to complete. To finish, click on the CLOSE button, safely eject the USB drive and plug it into the computer where you wish to install Ubuntu:
Rufus - Operation done
Ubuntu Desktop - Installation
If you already didn't, plug in the USB you created in the previous step into a computer on which you wish to install Ubuntu. Start the computer, and make sure it boots from USB. Once booted, the following screen will be presented:
Ubuntu Desktop Install - Select
Here, make sure the selection is on Ubuntu. Press Enter to continue, and you will be presented with the screen where you will be able to select the installation language and start the installation itself:
Ubuntu Desktop Install - Choose language and start the installation
At this point, the installation will start. As it continues, the installation will ask a few more questions. First, you will have to select your keyboard layout. Usually, this option matches your region. Since I am in Croatia, my selection is Croatian (though some of my colleagues would disagree and leave English as the default):
Ubuntu Desktop Install - Select keyboard layout
On the next screen, you will be able to choose what to install. If you would like a plethora of software right after installation, you can select the Normal installation option. I'd advise against that simply because I want to have only the software I use on the computer. So if you agree with me, you can opt for Minimal installation and install the required software once the Ubuntu installation is complete:
Ubuntu Desktop Install - Updates and software selection
Before confirming the next step, ensure you don't have any relevant data on the computer you're about to install Ubuntu. If you are confident, leave the selection on the default option (Erase disk and install Ubuntu) and continue by clicking on Install Now: You can still abort the installation if you are not sure.
Ubuntu Desktop Install - Installation type
Next, you will be asked where you reside. Please make sure you select the correct location. It is essential because of the following:
Software using location information
A lot of software today (i.e. web browsers and any kind of map software) is using location information to give you as much relevant information as possible.
Operating system updates
When pulling updates, Ubuntu will try to access the closest update mirror server. If you defined your location correctly and there is an update mirror server in your country, updates will be downloaded from that server. This will save you both time and bandwidth while performing updates.
Ubuntu Desktop Install - Region select
The last piece of information the installer will require from you is your user data. The picture below is self-explanatory enough, so fill in all the required data and click on Continue once you do:
Ubuntu Desktop Install - User profile
At this point, you can sit, relax and give yourself a pat on the back for a job well done. The installation itself will take some time to complete:
Ubuntu Desktop Install - Installation progress
Once the installation is complete, please restart your computer by clicking on Restart Now:
Ubuntu Desktop Install - Installation complete
Ubuntu Desktop - Final Steps
Once your computer boots up again, it will take you to your login screen. Click on your username and enter the correct password:
Ubuntu Desktop Install - Login screen
After you log in, there will be some additional steps your new Ubuntu will ask you to do. First, you will have the option to sign in to one of many offered online services. You can skip this step if you wish:
Ubuntu Desktop Install - Online accounts
Some additional questions will be asked, like whether you would allow Canonical (Ubuntu creator) to gather information about your Ubuntu usage (I prefer not to) and whether you would like to enable location service. It's all up to you how you will answer.
As the last step, Ubuntu will perform another update check, and if any, it will bring up the update dialog. Please be free to install them, if any:
Ubuntu Desktop Install - Install updates
And you're done. Enjoy your new operating system. If you would like to know how to customize Ubuntu Desktop further, please check our Ubuntu customization guide on the link below:
You can also check our essential starter applications for Ubuntu 20.04 on the link below:
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