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Complete Guide to Ubuntu Linux

Date: 2025-02-22

Introduction

Ubuntu is one of the most popular Linux distributions, known for its ease of use and strong community support. This comprehensive guide will help you install and get started with Ubuntu.

System Requirements

  • 2 GHz dual-core processor
  • 4 GB RAM (8 GB recommended)
  • 25 GB storage
  • USB drive for installation (8 GB minimum)

Ubuntu Download and Installation

Download Ubuntu LTS from: https://ubuntu.com/download/desktop

Installation Steps

To install Ubuntu alongside Windows 11 on the same device, follow these organized steps:

1. Backup Your Data

  • Why: Prevent data loss during partitioning.
  • How: Use an external drive or cloud storage to back up important files.

2. Prepare Free Space for Ubuntu

  • In Windows 11:
    1. Open Disk Management: Press Win + X > Disk Management.
    2. Shrink Partition: Right-click the Windows drive (usually C:), select Shrink Volume, and allocate space (min. 25 GB, recommended 50+ GB for comfort).
    3. Leave Unallocated Space: Do not format this space; Ubuntu will use it.

3. Disable Fast Startup (Windows)

  • Why: Prevents disk lock issues in Ubuntu.
  • Steps:
    1. Go to Control Panel > Power Options.
    2. Click Choose what the power buttons do.
    3. Select Change settings that are currently unavailable.
    4. Uncheck Turn on fast startup > Save changes.

4. Create a Bootable Ubuntu USB

  • Tools: Use Rufus (Windows) or Balena Etcher.
  • Steps:
    1. Download the Ubuntu ISO from ubuntu.com.
    2. Insert a USB drive (min. 4 GB).
    3. Use Rufus/Etcher to write the ISO to the USB. Ensure Partition Scheme is set to GPT (for UEFI).

5. Boot from USB

  • Access Boot Menu:
    • Restart your PC and press the boot key (e.g., F12, F2, Esc, or Del; varies by manufacturer).
    • Select the USB drive in UEFI mode (e.g., "UEFI: USB Name").

6. Install Ubuntu

  1. Start Installation:
    • Select Install Ubuntu from the GRUB menu.
    • Choose language/keyboard layout.
  2. Configure Installation Type:
    • Select Install Ubuntu alongside Windows Boot Manager (automatic partitioning) or Something else (manual).
    • If manual:
      • Use the unallocated space to create:
        • Root (/): Ext4, ~30 GB.
        • Swap: Equal to RAM size (optional for modern systems).
        • EFI System Partition: Ensure it uses the existing EFI partition (do not format it).

7. Post-Installation Steps

  • Secure Boot:
    • Ubuntu supports Secure Boot, but if issues arise (e.g., drivers), disable it in BIOS/UEFI.
  • GRUB Configuration:
    • If Windows doesn't appear in GRUB:
      • Open Terminal in Ubuntu: sudo update-grub.
  • Boot Order:
    • Access BIOS/UEFI (F2/Del during startup) to set Ubuntu/GRUB as the default boot option.

8. Test Both OSes

  • Reboot and select Ubuntu or Windows from GRUB.
  • Ensure both OSes boot correctly.

Troubleshooting Tips

  • Can't Boot into Windows? Use a Windows Recovery USB to repair the bootloader.
  • Disk Not Showing in Installer? Ensure the disk is using GPT (not MBR) and partitions are correctly formatted.

Getting Started with Ubuntu

Essential Commands

sudo apt update    # Update package list
sudo apt upgrade   # Upgrade packages
ls                # List files and directories
cd                # Change directory
mkdir             # Create a new directory
rm                # Remove files
cp                # Copy files
mv                # Move or rename files

Basic Navigation

  • Home Directory: /home/username
  • Root Directory: /
  • File System Hierarchy:
    • /bin: Essential system binaries
    • /boot: Boot loader files
    • /dev: Device files
    • /etc: System configuration files
    • /home: User home directories
    • /lib: System libraries
    • /media: Mount point for removable media
    • /mnt: Temporary mount point
    • /opt: Optional software packages
    • /proc: Process information
    • /root: Root user's home directory
    • /run: Runtime data
    • /sbin: System administration binaries
    • /srv: Service data
    • /sys: System information
    • /tmp: Temporary files
    • /usr: User space programs and data
    • /var: Variable data

Package Management

Ubuntu uses the APT (Advanced Package Tool) package manager. You can use the following commands to manage packages:

sudo apt update    # Update package list
sudo apt upgrade   # Upgrade packages
sudo apt install   # Install a package
sudo apt remove    # Remove a package
sudo apt purge     # Remove a package and its configuration files
sudo apt autoremove # Remove unnecessary packages

Software Installation

You can install software from the Ubuntu Software Center or using the command line.

sudo apt install firefox # Install Firefox

Updating and Upgrading

Regularly update and upgrade your system to ensure you have the latest security patches and features.

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Additional Software Installation

Essential Tools

Development Tools

Productivity Apps

Gaming

Security