Download Ubuntu Desktop

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How to Download and Install Ubuntu Desktop

Ubuntu is a free and open-source operating system that is based on Linux distribution and the Unix-like Debian operating system. It is one of the most popular operating systems for desktop computing, as it offers a user-friendly interface, a wide range of applications, and a high level of security and stability.

In this article, you will learn how to download and install Ubuntu desktop on your computer. You will also learn some of the advantages and disadvantages of using Ubuntu, as well as some of the alternatives you can choose from.

System Requirements

Before you download and install Ubuntu desktop, you need to make sure that your computer meets the minimum and recommended system requirements. Here are the system requirements for Ubuntu desktop 20.04 LTS, which is the latest long-term support version:

  • Minimum requirements:
    • 2 GHz dual-core processor or better
    • 4 GB of system memory (RAM)
    • 25 GB of hard-drive space
    • VGA capable of 1024×768 screen resolution
    • Either a CD/DVD drive or a USB port for the installer media
    • Internet access (optional but helpful)
  • Recommended requirements:
    • 4 GHz dual-core processor or better
    • 8 GB of system memory (RAM)
    • 50 GB of hard-drive space
    • VGA capable of 1920×1080 screen resolution
    • Either a CD/DVD drive or a USB port for the installer media
    • Internet access (optional but helpful)

Note that these requirements are for the default GNOME desktop environment. If you choose a different desktop environment, such as KDE Plasma or Xfce, you may need less or more resources depending on their features.

Downloading Ubuntu Desktop

To download Ubuntu desktop, you need to visit the official website at https://ubuntu.com/download/desktop. There, you will see the option to download the latest version of Ubuntu desktop, which is 20.04.3 LTS as of June 2023. LTS stands for long-term support, which means that this version will receive updates and security patches for five years until April 2025.

You can also choose to download an older version of Ubuntu desktop, such as 18.04 LTS or 16.04 LTS, if you have an older computer or prefer a more stable and tested version. However, keep in mind that older versions may not have the latest features and may have less support from the community and developers.

Another option is to download a different edition of Ubuntu desktop, such as Ubuntu Server, Ubuntu Cloud, or Ubuntu for IoT. These editions are designed for specific purposes and have different features and requirements. For example, Ubuntu Server is optimized for running servers and web applications, while Ubuntu Cloud is tailored for cloud computing and virtualization.

To download the edition that suits your needs, you can click on the “Alternative downloads” link at the bottom of the page. There, you will see a list of different editions and versions of Ubuntu desktop that you can choose from.

Once you have decided which edition and version of Ubuntu desktop you want to download, you can click on the “Download” button and save the ISO file to your computer. An ISO file is an image file that contains all the data and files needed to create a bootable media, such as a CD/DVD or a USB flash drive.

Creating a Bootable USB Drive

After you have downloaded the ISO file of Ubuntu desktop, you need to create a bootable USB drive that you can use to install Ubuntu on your computer. A bootable USB drive is a removable storage device that contains an operating system that can be run without installing it on the hard drive. This way, you can test Ubuntu before installing it or use it as a portable operating system.

To create a bootable USB drive, you need two things: a USB flash drive with at least 4 GB of storage space and a tool that can write the ISO file to the USB flash drive. The tool you use depends on whether you are creating the bootable USB drive on Ubuntu or on Windows.

On Ubuntu

If you are creating the bootable USB drive on Ubuntu, you can use the built-in tool called Create startup disk. To use this tool, follow these steps:

  1. Insert your USB flash drive into your computer and make sure it is formatted as FAT32.
  2. Open the Dash (the icon at the top-left corner of the screen) and search for Startup Disk Creator.
  3. Launch the Startup Disk Creator application and select your ISO file as the source disk image.
  4. Select your USB flash drive as the target device and make sure to erase any existing data on it.
  5. Click on Make Startup Disk and wait for the process to complete.
  6. Eject your USB flash drive and remove it from your computer.

On Windows

If you are creating the bootable USB drive on Windows, you can use a free tool called Rufus. To use this tool, follow these steps:

  1. Download Rufus from https://rufus.ie/ and run it on your computer.
  2. Insert your USB flash drive into your computer and make sure it is formatted as FAT32.
  3. Select your USB flash drive as the device and choose MBR as the partition scheme.
  4. Select ISO image as the boot selection and click on SELECT to browse for your ISO file.
  5. Click on START and wait for the process to complete.
  6. Eject your USB flash drive and remove it from your computer.

Booting from USB Flash Drive

Now that you have created your bootable USB drive, you are ready to boot from it and install Ubuntu desktop on your computer. To do this, follow these steps:

  1. Insert your USB flash drive into your computer and restart it.
  2. Press the appropriate key to enter the BIOS or UEFI settings of your computer. This key may vary depending on your computer model, but it is usually one of these: F2, F10, F12, ESC, or DEL.
  3. Navigate to the Boot menu and change the boot order so that your USB flash drive is the first option.
  4. Save the changes and exit the BIOS or UEFI settings.
  5. Your computer should now boot from your USB flash drive and display a menu with two options: Try Ubuntu and Install Ubuntu.
  6. Select Try Ubuntu if you want to test Ubuntu without installing it on your hard drive. This will load a live Ubuntu system that you can use as a normal operating system, but with some limitations. For example, any changes you make will not be saved after you shut down the system.
  7. Select Install Ubuntu if you want to install Ubuntu on your hard drive. This will launch the Ubuntu installer that will guide you through the installation process.

Installing Ubuntu Desktop

Once you have launched the Ubuntu installer, you will need to follow a series of steps to complete the installation of Ubuntu desktop on your computer. Here are the steps you will need to take:

Installation Setup

The first step is to choose the language you want to use for the installation and for the operating system. You can select your preferred language from a list of options or use the search box to find it.

The next step is to choose the keyboard layout that matches your keyboard. You can select your keyboard layout from a list of options or use the detect keyboard layout feature to automatically detect it. You can also test your keyboard by typing in a text box.

The final step is to choose the network settings that you want to use for the installation and for the operating system. You can connect to a wireless or wired network by selecting it from a list of available networks or by entering the network details manually. You can also skip this step and configure the network later.

Type of Installation

The next step is to choose the type of installation that you want to perform. You have two options: normal installation or minimal installation.

A normal installation will install the default set of software and applications that are recommended for most users, such as a web browser, an office suite, a media player, etc.

A minimal installation will install only the essential software and applications that are required for a basic system, such as a web browser, a file manager, etc. This option is suitable for users who want to save disk space or customize their system later.

You can also choose whether to install third-party software for graphics and Wi-Fi hardware, as well as additional media formats. This option is recommended for users who want to have better compatibility and performance with their hardware and media files.

You can also choose whether to download updates while installing Ubuntu. This option is recommended for users who want to have the latest security patches and bug fixes for their system.

Disk Partitioning

The next step is to choose how to partition your hard drive for installing Ubuntu. Partitioning is the process of dividing your hard drive into smaller sections that can be used for different purposes, such as storing data, installing operating systems, etc.

You have two options: erase disk or something else.

Erase disk will erase all the data on your hard drive and install Ubuntu on it. This option is suitable for users who want to have a clean and simple installation of Ubuntu without any other operating systems or data on their hard drive.

Something else will allow you to create or modify partitions manually using a graphical tool. This option is suitable for users who want to have more control over their partitioning scheme or who want to install Ubuntu alongside other operating systems or data on their hard drive.

You can also choose whether to use encryption or LVM for your partitions. Encryption will protect your data from unauthorized access by requiring a password to unlock it. LVM will allow you to resize and manage your partitions more easily by using logical volumes instead of physical partitions.

Select Time Zone

The next step is to select your time zone based on your location. You can select your time zone from a map or from a list of options. You can also use the automatic time zone detection feature that will use your network connection to determine your location and time zone.

Create Login Details

The next step is to create your login details for your system. You need to enter your name, your computer’s name, your username, and your password. You can also choose whether to log in automatically or require a password every time you start your system.

Complete the Installation

The final step is to wait for the installation to complete. This may take some time depending on your system specifications and network speed. You will see a progress bar and some slides that will show you some of the features and benefits of using Ubuntu desktop.

Once the installation is complete, you will need to restart your computer and remove your USB flash drive. You will then be able to boot into your new Ubuntu desktop system and enjoy it!

Advantages and Dis advantages and Disadvantages of Ubuntu Desktop

Ubuntu desktop is a great operating system for desktop computing, but it is not perfect. Like any other operating system, it has its advantages and disadvantages that you should consider before using it. Here are some of the pros and cons of Ubuntu desktop:

Advantages

  • Free and open-source: Ubuntu desktop is free to download, use, and share. You do not have to pay any license fees or subscriptions to use it. You also have access to the source code of Ubuntu and its applications, which means you can modify them or contribute to their development.
  • Secure and stable: Ubuntu desktop is based on Linux, which is a secure and stable operating system that is resistant to viruses, malware, and crashes. Ubuntu also releases regular updates and security patches to keep your system up to date and protected.
  • User-friendly and customizable: Ubuntu desktop has a user-friendly interface that is easy to use and navigate. You can also customize your desktop environment by changing the themes, icons, wallpapers, fonts, etc. You can also install different desktop environments, such as KDE Plasma or Xfce, if you prefer a different look and feel.
  • Wide range of applications: Ubuntu desktop comes with a wide range of applications that cover most of your needs, such as a web browser, an office suite, a media player, etc. You can also install more applications from the Ubuntu Software Center, which has thousands of free and paid apps for various purposes. You can also use Snap packages or Flatpak packages to install applications that are not available in the Software Center.
  • Large and supportive community: Ubuntu desktop has a large and supportive community of users and developers who are willing to help you with any issues or questions you may have. You can find help from the official website, forums, blogs, wikis, social media, etc. You can also join the community and participate in events, projects, or discussions.

Disadvantages

  • Outdated packages: Ubuntu desktop releases a new version every six months, which means that some of the packages and applications may not be the latest versions available. This may affect the performance or compatibility of some software or hardware. You can use a rolling release distro, such as Arch Linux or Manjaro Linux, if you want to have the latest packages and applications.
  • Unfree drivers: Ubuntu desktop uses free and open-source drivers for most of the hardware devices, which means that some of them may not work properly or at all. This may affect the functionality or performance of some devices, such as graphics cards, wireless cards, printers, etc. You can use third-party drivers or proprietary drivers if they are available for your device.
  • Compatibility issues: Ubuntu desktop is compatible with most of the software and hardware devices available in the market, but not all of them. Some of them may require additional steps or tweaks to make them work on Ubuntu. This may affect the usability or convenience of some software or hardware devices. You can use Windows or Mac OS if they are more compatible with your software or hardware devices.

Alternatives to Ubuntu Desktop

If you are not satisfied with Ubuntu desktop or want to try something different, you have many alternatives to choose from. Here are some of the alternatives you can consider:

Other Ubuntu Flavors

If you like Ubuntu but want a different desktop environment, you can try one of the other Ubuntu flavors that use different desktop environments. Here are some of the most popular ones:

  • Kubuntu: Kubuntu uses KDE Plasma as its desktop environment, which is a powerful and customizable desktop environment that offers many features and options.
  • Xubuntu: Xubuntu uses Xfce as its desktop environment, which is a lightweight and fast desktop environment that is suitable for older or low-end computers.
  • Lubuntu: Lubuntu uses LXQt as its desktop environment, which is another lightweight and fast desktop environment that is even more suitable for older or low-end computers.
  • Ubuntu MATE: Ubuntu MATE uses MATE as its desktop environment, which is a fork of GNOME 2 that preserves the classic look and feel of GNOME 2.
  • Ubuntu Budgie: Ubuntu Budgie uses Budgie as its desktop environment, which is a modern and elegant desktop environment that integrates well with GNOME applications.

Other Linux Distros

If you want to try a different Linux distro that is not based on Ubuntu, you can try one of the many other Linux distros that are available. Here are some of the most popular ones:

  • Debian: Debian is the parent distro of Ubuntu and many other Linux distros. It is a stable and reliable distro that focuses on free software and community support.
  • Fedora: Fedora is a cutting-edge and innovative distro that is sponsored by Red Hat. It is a fast and secure distro that offers the latest software and technologies.
  • Arch Linux: Arch Linux is a minimalist and flexible distro that follows the principle of simplicity. It is a rolling release distro that allows you to build your own system from scratch.
  • Manjaro Linux: Manjaro Linux is a user-friendly and accessible distro that is based on Arch Linux. It is a rolling release distro that offers a variety of desktop environments and pre-installed software.
  • Mint Linux: Mint Linux is a friendly and elegant distro that is based on Ubuntu. It is a stable and easy-to-use distro that offers a familiar and comfortable desktop experience.

Conclusion

In this article, you have learned how to download and install Ubuntu desktop on your computer. You have also learned some of the advantages and disadvantages of using Ubuntu, as well as some of the alternatives you can choose from.

Ubuntu desktop is a great operating system for desktop computing, as it offers a free, secure, user-friendly, customizable, and versatile system that can meet your needs and preferences. However, it is not the only option available, and you may find another operating system that suits you better.

If you want to learn more about Ubuntu desktop or any other operating system, you can visit their official websites, forums, blogs, wikis, social media, etc. You can also join their communities and participate in events, projects, or discussions.

We hope you have enjoyed this article and found it helpful. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below. Thank you for reading!

FAQs

Here are some of the frequently asked questions about Ubuntu desktop:

  1. What is the difference between Ubuntu desktop and Ubuntu server?

    2. Ubuntu desktop is designed for desktop computing, while Ubuntu server is designed for running servers and web applications. Ubuntu desktop has a graphical user interface (GUI) and comes with a default set of software and applications for everyday use. Ubuntu server has no GUI and comes with only the essential software and applications for server administration.

  2. How do I update Ubuntu desktop?

    3. You can update Ubuntu desktop by using the Software Updater application or by using the command line. The Software Updater application will notify you when there are updates available and allow you to install them with a few clicks. The command line will require you to enter some commands to check for updates and install them. You can use the following commands to update Ubuntu desktop:

    sudo apt update sudo apt upgrade sudo apt dist-upgrade

    The first command will update the list of available packages. The second command will upgrade the installed packages to their latest versions. The third command will upgrade the distribution to the latest version if there is one available.

  3. How do I uninstall Ubuntu desktop?

    4. You can uninstall Ubuntu desktop by deleting its partitions from your hard drive or by installing another operating system over it. To delete its partitions, you can use a partitioning tool such as GParted or Disk Management. To install another operating system over it, you can use a bootable media such as a CD/DVD or a USB flash drive.

  4. How do I dual-boot Ubuntu desktop with Windows?

    5. You can dual-boot Ubuntu desktop with Windows by installing them on separate partitions on your hard drive or by using a virtual machine software such as VirtualBox or VMware. To install them on separate partitions, you can use the something else option in the disk partitioning step of the Ubuntu installer and create or select a partition for Ubuntu. To use a virtual machine software, you can create a virtual machine for Ubuntu and install it inside Windows.

  5. How do I customize Ubuntu desktop?

    6. You can customize Ubuntu desktop by changing its appearance, behavior, settings, etc. You can use the Settings application or the GNOME Tweaks tool to change its appearance, such as themes, icons, wallpapers, fonts, etc. You can also use extensions or plugins to add new features or functionality to your desktop environment. You can find extensions or plugins from the GNOME Extensions website or from the Ubuntu Software Center. You can also install different desktop environments, such as KDE Plasma or Xfce, if you want a different look and feel for your desktop.



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