How to Install Ubuntu on a PC

This guide will walk you through the process of installing Ubuntu on your PC, from preparation to post-installation configuration.

Prerequisites

A PC with at least 4GB RAM (8GB recommended)
25GB of free disk space (more recommended)
A USB drive with at least 4GB capacity
Backup of important data from your current system

Step 1: Prepare for Installation

Backup Your Data

Before proceeding, back up all important data from your current operating system.

Download Ubuntu

Visit the official Ubuntu website
Download the latest LTS (Long Term Support) version of Ubuntu Desktop

Create a Bootable USB Drive

On Windows:
- Download and install Rufus
- Insert your USB drive
- Open Rufus, select your USB drive and the Ubuntu ISO file
- Click "Start" and select "Write in ISO image mode"
On macOS:
- Install Etcher from balenaEtcher
- Open Etcher
- Select the Ubuntu ISO file and your USB drive
- Click "Flash!"
On Linux:
- Install Etcher or use the dd command:
```
sudo dd bs=4M if=/path/to/ubuntu.iso of=/dev/sdX status=progress oflag=sync
```
(Replace /dev/sdX with your USB drive, be careful to select the correct drive!)

Step 2: Configure BIOS/UEFI Settings

Restart your computer and enter the BIOS/UEFI setup (usually by pressing F2, F12, Delete, or Esc during boot)
Disable Secure Boot if enabled
Set the boot mode to UEFI and Legacy (or "Both") if you have the option
Save changes and exit

Step 3: Boot from the USB Drive

With the USB drive plugged in, restart your computer
Access the boot menu (usually by pressing F12, Esc, or F2 during startup)
Select the USB drive from the boot menu
When the Ubuntu boot menu appears, select "Try or Install Ubuntu"

Step 4: Install Ubuntu

Once Ubuntu loads, click on "Install Ubuntu"
Select your language and click "Continue"
Choose "Normal installation" and select if you want to:
- Download updates while installing
- Install third-party software for graphics and Wi-Fi hardware
Click "Continue"

Decide on Installation Type

Install alongside existing OS (dual-boot): Choose "Install Ubuntu alongside [your current OS]"
Replace existing OS: Choose "Erase disk and install Ubuntu"
Custom partitioning: Choose "Something else"

Note: If you choose to dual-boot, make sure to back up your data first. If you're replacing your current OS, all data will be erased.

Follow the prompts to configure your installation (time zone, keyboard layout, etc.)
Create a user account:
- Enter your name
- Create a computer name
- Choose a username
- Set a strong password
Click "Continue" to begin the installation
Wait for the installation to complete (typically 10-20 minutes)

Step 5: Reboot and Log In

When prompted, remove the USB drive and click "Restart Now"
After rebooting, you'll see the login screen
Enter your password to log in to your new Ubuntu system

Step 6: Post-Installation Setup

Update Your System

Open Terminal (Ctrl+Alt+T)
Run these commands:

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade

Install Additional Drivers

Open the "Software & Updates" application
Go to the "Additional Drivers" tab
Install any recommended drivers, especially for graphics cards
Restart your computer if prompted

Install Essential Software

Open Ubuntu Software Center
Browse and install applications you need (web browsers, office suite, multimedia tools, etc.)

Troubleshooting

Boot Issues

If you can't boot into Ubuntu, try disabling Fast Boot in Windows and in BIOS
Check if Secure Boot is disabled in BIOS/UEFI

Graphics Issues

If you experience graphics problems, try booting with the "nomodeset" parameter:
1. At the GRUB menu, press 'e' to edit
2. Find the line starting with "linux" and add "nomodeset" at the end
3. Press F10 to boot

Wi-Fi Problems

If Wi-Fi doesn't work, connect via Ethernet if possible
Run sudo apt update && sudo apt install linux-firmware to install additional firmware

Next Steps

Congratulations! You've successfully installed Ubuntu on your PC.

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