How to install Ubuntu

Firstly, choose your architecture, though aside from older computers there's little reason to not use x64 these days.

Desktop x32: http://www.ubuntu.com/start-download?distro=desktop&bits=32&release=lts
Desktop x64: http://www.ubuntu.com/start-download?distro=desktop&bits=64&release=lts

Next, we'll need to write the ISO on your choice of a CD/DVD or a USB flash drive. For this you can use whatever program you're familiar with; some common Windows programs would be " ImgBurn " and " UNetbootin ". Both of which make writing the ISO to your desired device a breeze.

An internet connection is always reccomended whenever possible to get the latest updates as well as proprietary drivers later on.

Insert the media you chose and restart your computer.

Step 1; choose your language.


Step 2; If you have an active internet connection be sure to check the " Download updates while installing " check box. And optionally the 3rd party software, which provides plugins and codecs for certain audio and video filetypes.


Step 3; Selecting / Partition your hard drive. If you're using an entire disk simply select " Use Entire Disk " otherwise if you have already created a separate partition or intend to make one, choose " Something Else " and you will be thrown into a partition manager. Create your partition and select the mountpoint as " / " or " root ".


Step 4; Set your location. Pretty self explanatory, just select the nearest option to you.


Step 5; Select your keyboard layout. Choose the one appropriate to you.


Step 6; Create a Username and Password.


Step 7; Grab a beer and relax for a few minutes.


Step 8; Reboot, you're done.

After you have rebooted and if you have an active internet connection you will automatically be prompted that there is proprietary drivers available ( if you need any that is, most come preinstalled aside from graphics cards and some wireless firmware ). This program is called " Jockey ".

You are done, and will be free to do as you wish.

Some simple tips to those new at Linux;

~ means home, which is your user directory.
. prefix means the file is hidden.

Themes can be installed to the ~/.themes directory for local ( your user only ) or /usr/share/themes directory for system wide ( needs root access ).
Icons can be installed like above to their respective directories ~/.icons or /usr/share/icons.
Cursors can be installed but share the ~/.themes and /usr/share/themes directory.

If you wish to try different desktop environments you can be simply opening the software center and search for " kubuntu-desktop " for KDE, " xubuntu-desktop " for XFCE, " lubuntu-desktop " for LXDE, or follow the specific guide to install various others you may be interested in.