How to Install Ubuntu

🧰 What You’ll Need:

  • A USB flash drive (at least 4 GB)

  • Another working computer (to create the USB installer)

  • The Ubuntu ISO (Download here)

  • Your target machine with the new SSD installed

🪜 STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

🔧 1. Prepare the Bootable USB

On a working computer:

  1. Download Ubuntu Desktop ISO (latest LTS version is recommended, e.g., 24.04 LTS).

  2. Download and install Rufus (Windows) or use Etcher (cross-platform).

  3. Plug in the USB stick.

  4. Use Rufus to create the bootable USB:

    • Device: Your USB stick

    • Boot selection: Ubuntu ISO

    • Partition scheme: MBR (for BIOS) or GPT (for UEFI – most systems since 2012 support this)

    • File system: FAT32

    • Click Start

🔄 2. Boot the Old Machine from USB

  1. Insert the USB stick into your old machine.

  2. Power it on and press the boot menu key (usually F12, Esc, F2, or Del).

  3. Select the USB device from the list.

  4. Choose “Try Ubuntu” to test it first or “Install Ubuntu” to proceed directly.

💻 3. Begin Installation

Once in the Ubuntu installer:

  1. Select your language and click Continue.

  2. Connect to Wi-Fi (if applicable).

  3. Choose “Normal installation” (includes browser, LibreOffice, etc.)

  4. Tick “Install third-party software” (helps with Wi-Fi, graphics, codecs).

  5. On the installation type screen, select:

    • ✅ Erase disk and install Ubuntu

    • Make sure the correct SSD is selected

  6. Click Install Now, confirm any prompts.

🧑‍💻 4. Set Your User Info

  • Enter your name, computer name, username, and password.

  • Choose whether to log in automatically or require a password.

⌛ 5. Wait for Installation to Finish

  • Takes 5–15 minutes typically.

  • After installation, click Restart Now.

  • Remove the USB stick when prompted.

✅ 6. First Boot and Setup

  • Your machine will boot directly to Ubuntu.

  • Run Software Updater to get the latest updates.

  • Optionally install:

    • Chrome/Brave browser

    • VS Code

    • GIMP, VLC, etc.

🛠️ Post-Install Suggestions

  • Enable Flatpak or Snap for more app availability

  • Set up Timeshift for system backups

  • Use Disks or gnome-disk-utility to confirm your SSD is performing well (check SMART)