MRC/Tutorials/Installing Ubuntu

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Ubuntu is an operating system, much like windows and MacOS. It is what makes a computer usable. Running a different operating system is like using a different computer altogether. In this course we recommend using a virtual machine to run ubuntu.

On your laptop, download virtualbox from their website:

<https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads>

run the installer, and follow the instructions.

Virtualbox is the program that will create and run our virtual machine. A virtual machine is best seen as a piece of software that behaves as a virtual computer, which will thus allow us to install (and use) Ubuntu within windows.

After installing virtualbox, make sure you download a copy of the desktop image of Ubuntu to a folder on your windows machine:

<https://releases.ubuntu.com/24.04/>

Setting up your virtual machine

Start by opening VirtualBox and clicking the blue star-like icon labeled "New".

  1. A menu with four tabs will appear. Under the "Name and Operating System" tab, give your VM a descriptive name. You can leave the Machine Folder at its default location. Select the Ubuntu image you downloaded in the previous step. Make sure to choose the correct Type and Version from the dropdown menus:
    • Type: Linux
    • Version: Ubuntu (64-bit)
  2. Also, check the box to skip unattended installation.
  3. We don't need to modify anything in the "Unattended Install" tab, since we chose to skip it.
  4. In the "Hardware" tab:
    • Set the Memory Size to more than 4096 MB. Stay within the green boundary shown below the slider.
    • Choose the number of processors allocated to your VM. A good starting point is at least half of your available cores—more is generally better, depending on your system's capabilities.
  5. In the "Hard Disk" tab:
    • Select "Create a virtual hard disk now."
    • Choose the size and location of the virtual hard disk. We recommend at least 40 GB (more is better, if you have the space).
    • You may want to store the virtual disk on a different physical drive for performance.
    • For the file type, select VDI.
  6. Click Finish to create your VM.

Final Configuration Steps

To complete your VM setup:

  1. Right-click your VM in the list.
  2. Select Settings (indicated by an orange gear icon).
  3. In the sidebar, go to Display:
    • Set Video Memory to at least 64 MB.
  4. Go to Network:
    • Set "Attached to" as Bridged Adapter.
    • Under Name, select your wireless adapter (e.g., Intel(R) Wi-Fi 6 AX200 160MHz).

Click OK to confirm your changes.

Note:

If you encounter the error and it does not go away after a minute.

VMWGFX seems to be running on an unsupported hypervisor.

A possible fix is:

  • Go back to Settings.
  • Switch to Expert Mode (top-left corner).
  • Under Display, set the Graphics Controller to VBoxSVGA.

This paragraph has all the necessary steps, but the formatting and tone could use some polish for clarity and consistency. Here's a revised version that improves flow, readability, and professionalism:

Installing Ubuntu

Start your VM by clicking Start. The VM will boot to the Ubuntu installation screen. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

  1. Select your preferred language, accessibility options (if needed), and keyboard layout.
  2. Use wired connection for internet access.
  3. There is no need to update the installer at this stage.

    Tip: Skipping updates now can speed up installation

  4. Choose Install Ubuntu.
  5. Select Interactive Installation.
  6. Choose your preferred installation type—the default option is usually suitable.
  7. Enable third-party software installation.

    Optional: You may also choose to install additional programs, this will not be necessary for the course.

  8. Select Erase disk and install Ubuntu.

    Don't worry—this only applies to the virtual disk and won’t affect your Windows or macOS system.

  9. Create a user account by entering your name, computer name, username, and password.
  10. Set your timezone to Amsterdam.
  11. Click Continue to begin the installation.

Post-install configuration

When you are done installing Ubuntu, you reach the Ubuntu login screen and will be prompted to type in your password. Login to reach the Ubuntu desktop.

After login you will be prompted to perform some final configuration, like logging in to your Online Accounts. Configure these settings if you like, you can also skip them.

When promted to upgrade to a newer version of Ubuntu. Choose **Don't Upgrade**.

When promted to install updated software, choose "Install Now". This can also be done later by typing the following command into the terminal:

sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get upgrade

After configuration, we need to do a few final steps:

  1. In the taskbar of VirtualBox click devices
  2. Click Insert Guest Additions CD image
  3. On the menu that appears within Ubuntu click Run, and type your password.
  4. Reboot your virtual machine.
  5. Set the size of the window of your virtual machine by right clicking on the desktop and selecting display options. Choose the resolution that matches your monitor.

Please note that sometimes the approach above fails at step 3. In that case type the following command in a terminal and press enter. You can skip step 3

sudo apt-get install virtualbox-guest-additions-iso

You've now successfully installed Ubuntu. To check that everything has gone according to plan, go to your desktop. When you haven't changed your wallpaper, it should show you a picture that looks like a leopard. If you see a picture of a jellyfish or a beaver (or anything else) you've installed the incorrect version. We ask you kindly to reinstall the correct version of ubuntu (20.04).