Start Guide

1. Downloading Ubuntu

The first step is to download the Ubuntu installation image (an ISO file) from the official Ubuntu website at ubuntu.com. The desktop image is the right choice for most users.

Ubuntu offers two types of releases:

• Long-Term Support (LTS) — Supported for 5 years. Recommended for most users.
• Standard release — Supported for 9 months. Contains newer software.

After choosing your version, select your processor architecture. Most modern computers use 64-bit (AMD64). Once selected, the download will begin automatically.

2. Creating Installation Media

Ubuntu can be installed from either a USB drive (recommended) or a DVD. A USB drive of at least 4 GB is required.

Creating a Bootable USB Drive

Use one of the following tools to write the ISO image to your USB drive:

• balenaEtcher — Cross-platform, easy to use. Simply select the ISO, choose your USB drive, and click Flash.
• Startup Disk Creator — Built into Ubuntu; found under Applications → System Tools.
• Rufus (Windows only) — Reliable and widely used on Windows systems.

3. Installing Ubuntu

Insert your USB drive (or DVD) and restart your computer. You may need to enter the BIOS or UEFI setup to change the boot order so your computer boots from the USB drive before the internal hard disk.

The Installation Process

1. Select Try or Install Ubuntu from the boot menu.
2. Choose your language and click Install Ubuntu.
3. Select your keyboard layout.
4. Choose your installation type:
   • Normal installation — Includes a web browser, utilities, office software, games, and media players.
   • Minimal installation — Web browser and basic utilities only.
5. Choose how to install Ubuntu:
   • Erase disk and install Ubuntu — Replaces the existing OS. Recommended for dedicated Ubuntu machines.
   • Install Ubuntu alongside [existing OS] — Sets up a dual-boot system.
   • Something else — Manual partition management for advanced users.
6. Select your time zone on the map.
7. Create your user account by entering your name, computer name, username, and password.
8. Wait for the installation to complete, then restart your computer.

After restarting, remove the USB drive when prompted. Ubuntu will boot to the login screen.

4. First Steps After Installation

After your first login, Ubuntu may display a Welcome window with guided setup options. It is recommended to:

• Connect to a Wi-Fi network if not already connected via ethernet.
• Run the Software Updater to apply any available updates.
• Install any proprietary drivers your hardware may require (Settings → Additional Drivers).
• Set up online accounts if you use services like Google or Nextcloud (Settings → Online Accounts).

5. Getting Around the Desktop

Ubuntu uses the GNOME Shell desktop environment by default. The main components are:

• Activities Overview — Press the Super key (Windows key) or click Activities in the top-left corner to see open windows, launch apps, and search your computer.
• Top Bar — Contains the Activities button, clock, system status icons, and the Quick Settings panel (accessed via the icons on the right).
• Dash — A vertical bar on the left side of the Activities overview containing favourite and running applications.
• App Grid — Click the grid icon at the bottom of the Dash to see all installed applications.

Useful Keyboard Shortcuts

• Super — Open Activities Overview
• Super + A — Open App Grid
• Ctrl + Alt + T — Open Terminal
• Alt + F4 — Close the current window
• Super + L — Lock the screen
• PrtScr — Take a screenshot

6. Managing Software

Ubuntu provides several ways to install and manage software:

Ubuntu Software (App Store)

The easiest way to find and install applications. Open the Ubuntu Software app from the Dash, search for the application you want, and click Install.

Terminal (APT)

The apt command-line tool provides powerful package management. Open a terminal (Ctrl + Alt + T) and use:

# Update the package list
sudo apt update

# Install a package
sudo apt install package-name

# Remove a package
sudo apt remove package-name

# Upgrade all installed packages
sudo apt upgrade

Snap Packages

Ubuntu also supports Snap packages — sandboxed applications that include all their dependencies. Many popular applications such as Visual Studio Code, Slack, and Spotify are available as snaps.

# Install a snap
sudo snap install package-name

# List installed snaps
snap list

7. Connecting to the Internet

Ubuntu supports a wide range of wired and wireless network adapters. Most connections are configured automatically using NetworkManager.

Wi-Fi

Click the network icon in the top-right corner of the screen, then click the name of your Wi-Fi network and enter the password when prompted.

Wired (Ethernet)

Wired connections are configured automatically when you plug in an ethernet cable. No additional steps are normally required.

Troubleshooting

If your Wi-Fi adapter is not detected, it may require a proprietary driver. Go to Settings → Additional Drivers and install the recommended driver for your device.

8. Keeping Ubuntu Up to Date

Keeping Ubuntu up to date is important for security and stability. Ubuntu notifies you automatically when updates are available via the Software Updater.

To update from the terminal:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

For a full system upgrade (including new kernel versions):

sudo apt full-upgrade