MRC/Tutorials/Installing Ubuntu
Installing Ubuntu
Download Ubuntu 12.04 using these direct links: 32-bit or 64-bit. Then 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 12.04, not 14.04).
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.