Complete Guide to Setting Up Ubuntu for Beginners - Full Tutorial

Complete Guide to Setting Up Ubuntu for Beginners – Full Tutorial

The world of Linux offers a wide variety of distributions to choose from, but one that regularly tops popularity charts is Ubuntu. Known for its impressive stability and user-friendly interface, it's an excellent choice for beginners who are looking to delve into Linux.

In this comprehensive guide, we will provide a step-by-step tutorial on how to set up Ubuntu, making your transition to this powerful and highly customizable operating system easier.

What is Ubuntu?

Ubuntu is a free and open-source operating system based on Linux, originally created by Canonical Ltd. It is compatible with a variety of hardware and is widely used for servers, desktops, and in the cloud. The ethos behind Ubuntu is about providing open access to software and breaking down technology barriers.

Getting Started with Ubuntu

1. System Requirements and Preparation

Before we can install Ubuntu, we need to ensure our machine meets the minimum system requirements. Ubuntu 20.04, the latest version, requires a 2 GHz dual core processor, 4GB system memory, 25GB of free hard drive space, and either a DVD drive or a USB port for the installer media. Furthermore, it's vital to back up any important data before we proceed. Although the chance of data loss is limited, it's best not to take any chances.

2. Downloading Ubuntu

Next, head on over to the official Ubuntu website (https://ubuntu.com/download/desktop) and download the latest version of Ubuntu. The file is roughly 2.5GB, so it might take a while to download depending on your internet speed.

3. Create a Bootable USB

Once you have downloaded Ubuntu, you will need to create a bootable USB drive. For this, we recommend using a tool such as Rufus on Windows. Insert your USB drive, open Rufus, select "Disk or ISO image", find your Ubuntu ISO and click "Start".

4. Install Ubuntu

With the bootable USB ready, restart your computer. As it starts up, press the boot key (usually F12) and choose the USB drive from the list. This will start the Ubuntu installer, where we can choose "Install Ubuntu" and follow the step-by-step installation prompts.

Getting Familiar with Ubuntu

1. The Ubuntu Desktop

After installation, you will land on the Ubuntu desktop. Here you will find a vertical bar to the left, which houses shortcuts for most commonly used apps and a grid button at the bottom to open the "Show Applications" view. The top bar shows system indicators such as the date, time, and battery status.

2. Applications

Ubuntu comes pre-installed with a series of applications such as Firefox for browsing the internet, Thunderbird for emails, and LibreOffice for document creation. New applications can be installed from the "Ubuntu Software" app.

3. Terminal

The terminal in Ubuntu is an incredibly powerful tool, which you can use to run commands, install software, access system-level settings, and more. This is the real heart of Ubuntu; learning terminal commands really increases your power and control over the system.

Conclusion

That's it! You've successfully set up Ubuntu and taken your first steps in navigating the system. While there is a lot more to learn and discover, this guide has hopefully provided you with the basics to get you started. Welcome to the world of Ubuntu!