Getting Started with Ubuntu

Before installing Ubuntu, you’ll need to download the correct version and create bootable installation media. Ubuntu is available for free from its official website to make sure you’re getting a secure and up-to-date version of the operating system. The process is straightforward, but paying attention to a few key details will help avoid common issues, such as downloading the wrong file or encountering corrupted data.

Choosing the Right Version

Ubuntu offers several editions, but for most users, the Long-Term Support (LTS) version is the best choice. LTS releases are stable, receive security updates for five years, and are thoroughly tested for reliability. If you visit ubuntu.com/desktop, you’ll see the latest LTS version prominently displayed, this is the one you’ll want for general-purpose desktop or laptop. Advanced users may opt for interim releases with newer features but shorter support, but beginners should stick with LTS for maximum stability.

Downloading the ISO File

Once you’ve selected the correct version, click the download button to retrieve the ISO image file, this is the complete disk image that contains Ubuntu’s installation files. A stable internet connection is recommended, as the file is around 3GB - 4GB in size. Some browsers or download managers may pause or fail to complete large downloads, so if your connection is unreliable, consider using a tool like curl or wget (for Linux/macOS users) or download manager like Free Download Manager (FDM) on Windows.

Verify File Integrity

After the download finishes, it’s good practice to verify the file’s integrity using what is called the checksum (SHA256) provided on Ubuntu’s website. This guarantees the file wasn’t corrupted during download. On Windows, you can use a tool like CertUtil; on macOS or Linux, the terminal command sha256sum will do the trick. Matching the checksum confirms your download is safe to use.

Creating a Bootable USB Drive

With the ISO file ready, you’ll need a USB flash drive (at least 8GB) to turn it into installation media. Tools like BalenaEtcher (cross-platform), Rufus (Windows), or the command-line dd utility (Linux/macOS) can write the ISO to your USB drive. The process erases all data on the USB, so back up any important files beforehand. Once the tool finishes, you’ll have a bootable Ubuntu installer ready for use.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your USB isn’t recognized during boot, try recreating it with different tool or USB port.
Some older systems may require disabling Secure Boot in UEFI settings.
If the ISO download was interrupted, verify the checksum before proceeding - corrupted files can cause installation errors.

By the end of this lesson, you’ll have a properly downloaded ISO and bootable USB drive, setting the stage for the next step: installing Ubuntu on your machine. Let’s get started!

Review Questions

What must be done before installing Ubuntu?
How much does Ubuntu cost?
True or false: Installing Ubuntu is a long and difficult process
What does LTS stand for?
Where can you find the latest Ubuntu LTS release?
What is an ISO file?
What is recommended to download the ISO file?
How can the download's integrity be verified?
Which tools help write the ISO to USB drives?
True or false: Downloading the ISO to a USB doesn't erase all data on the USB.
How can you troubleshoot common problems with the installation process?

Downloading Ubuntu