MRC/Tutorials/Installing Ubuntu

Installing Ubuntu

Download Ubuntu 14.04:

• 32-bit
• 64-bit

Then, assuming you are currently running Windows, go to this page and follow the instructions to create a bootable USB stick. Reboot your computer with the newly created USB stick, and install Ubuntu. If you want to keep using Windows next to Ubuntu the most easy way is to have a dual-boot system, i.e., during startup you can choose to boot either Ubuntu or Windows. Of course you can also bring your notebook to the ICT servicedesk and ask them to install Ubuntu (but mention that you need version 14.04).

Troubleshoot

Nothing happens when I reboot with the USB drive

When rebooting your computer with the USB stick it may be the case that booting from your hard drive or SSD is preferred over booting from the USB drive, and the Ubuntu installation doesn't start. In that case, try rebooting again, and now try to enter the BIOS or watch out for a Boot order menu. Often, you have to press keys during start-up such as F12 or DEL. Once you found the boot order menu, make sure the USB drive has priority over your normal drive, and restart.

The Ubuntu Terminal

Most of your interaction with Ubuntu will be done through the terminal, the number-one way of interacting with Ubuntu using your keyboard. A terminal can be started by pressing ctrl-alt-t.

Although the terminal commands may seem somewhat puzzling at first, you'll soon find out that the terminal is a nifty tool and allows for faster and more powerful access to all of Ubuntu's possibilities than the graphical interface and mouse. If you don't know your way around the terminal, have a look at this page.

Ubuntu is already pretty great out-of-the-box, but some customizations will make your Ubuntu experience even better.