System Setup (Ubuntu)
Starting the Installation Process
Now that you’ve successfully booted from your USB drive, you’ll see the Ubuntu welcome screen with two options: Try Ubuntu and Install Ubuntu. Selecting Try Ubuntu lets you explore the operating system without making changes to your computer—ideal for testing hardware compatibility. When you’re ready to proceed with the full installation, choose Install Ubuntu to launch the graphical installer. The process is straightforward, but we’ll walk through each step to make sure everything goes smoothly.
Language, Keyboard, and Update Preferences
The installer will first ask you to select your language. Choose the one you’re most comfortable with, as this will set the system’s default display language. Next, you’ll configure your keyboard layout. The installer typically detects this automatically, but you can test the layout in the provided text box to confirm it matches your physical keyboard.
You’ll then encounter two important checkboxes:
Download updates while installing Ubuntu: This is recommended as it ensures your system gets the latest security patches and software improvements during setup.
Install third-party software: An optional selection that includes drivers for graphics, Wi-Fi, and media formats that aren’t open-source. If you’re unsure, it’s generally safe to enable this for better hardware compatibility.
Disk Partitioning and Installation Type
This is often the step that makes beginners nervous, but Ubuntu simplifies disk partitioning for most of us. You’ll see several options depending on your system:
Erase disk and install Ubuntu: Recommended for beginners and automatically partitions your drive and installs Ubuntu as the only operating system. It’s the simplest choice if you’re setting up a dedicated Ubuntu machine or using a blank drive.
Something else: An advanced selection that allows manual partitioning, useful for dual-boot setups or custom configurations.
If you’re installing alongside Windows (dual-booting), the installer may show a third option to Install Ubuntu alongside your existing OS. This automatically resizes your Windows partition to make space for Ubuntu. You simply use the slider to adjust how much space to allocate to each operating system.
Time Zone and User Account Setup
The installer will detect your location based on network time or ask you to select it manually on a world map — this ensures your clock and timezone are correct. Next, you’ll create your user account:
Enter your name, which will appear on the login screen.
Choose the computer name that will identify your machine on networks.
Set a username for logging in and terminal commands.
Create a secure password. Ubuntu will rate its strength—be sure to make it strong but memorable.
You’ll also see an option to log in automatically or require a password to log in. If security is a priority, especially for laptops, requiring a password is strongly recommended.
Finalizing the Installation
Once you confirm all settings, the installer will begin copying files to your hard drive. This process typically takes 10-30 minutes depending on your hardware. You’ll see a slideshow introducing Ubuntu’s features—feel free to explore these while you wait. When complete, the system will prompt you to restart your computer. Remember to remove the USB drive when instructed, or your computer may try to boot from it again.
First Boot and Troubleshooting
After restarting, you’ll see the Ubuntu login screen. Enter your password, and you’ll be greeted by the clean, modern GNOME desktop. If anything went wrong, like the system not booting or display issues, don’t panic. Most problems have simple solutions:
If Ubuntu doesn’t appear in the boot menu, check your BIOS/UEFI settings again.
For display problems, try selecting Safe Graphics from the USB boot menu and and reinstalling.
If you can’t log in, verify your keyboard layout and caps lock status
Congratulations, you’ve just installed Ubuntu! In our next lesson, we’ll cover essential post-installation steps to customize your system, install software, and configure security settings, Welcome to the world of Linux!
Review Questions
The Ubuntu welcome screen contains which two options?
What are some settings can be configured during setup?
What are two important checkboxes during this process? What do they do?
Describe disk partitioning and the two notable options.
How does a system ensure your clock and timezone are correct?
Which information is needed to create a user account?
When should the USB be removed?
What will pop up after logging in for the first time?