Lucas Plath

ENG-2116
Spring 2016

Installing LINUX Operating System(OS)

Purpose
You will learn how to install a LINUX operating system onto a personal
computer or laptop. Specifically, you will learn to install a version called
LINUX Ubuntu 14.04 from a CD or USB stick.
Introduction
Most people are familiar with the terms Windows Operating System(OS) or
MAC OSX. These are common operating systems that manage a computers
software and hardware and provide a basic user interface for applications like
word processors, web browsers, and programs most people use on a daily
basis. LINUX is an OS less commonly used for personal purposes although
many devices, such as all Android phones, are based on its software. What is
unique about LINUX is that it is open-source. This means that anyone can
use or change the software to tailor it for their own uses free of charge
provided they do so within the terms of the license agreement. Over 12,000
programmers have contributed to the development of LINUX in its various
forms over the years. The particular version that is the subject of this
instruction is Ubuntu 14.04.
What You Will Need

Finding Your System

Compatible Personal Computer or Laptop

Capabilities:
o At least 384MB of system memory(RAM)
-Open the file explorer
o 6GB of available hard disk storage
-Right click on the My
Computer icon
space
-Select Properties
o 700MHz or faster x86 processor(32 and
-This will display your
64bit processors are also supported
computers hardware
USB Mouse
capabilities
USB Keyboard
Blank Re-Writable CD with at least 1GB of storage space
CD burn Drive
Optional: You may also use a USB stick with at least 2GB of storage
space instead of a CD if you prefer or if you are using a system such as
a netbook that does not have a CD drive

Installation
1. Install a copy of Ubuntu 14.04 from www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu/download.
There will be an option to download the 64bit or 32bit version. The version you need
depends on your computers processor which can be found from the previous
instructions. If uncertain, download the 32bit version.

a. Select your country from the drop down list

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b. Click Begin to begin the download (approximately 700MB)

2. (If using a USB stick skip this step) Burn the Ubuntu ISO image to a
disk. This is not the same as burning music to a disc. Windows 7 or
later OS will have a built in image burner. If your system does not have
a built in program for this, download one here
http://isorecorder.alexfeinman.com/isorecorder.htm.
a. For Windows 7 or later:
i. Open your CD burner and insert disk
ii. Locate the Ubuntu ISO image and right click it
iii. Click BURN DISK IMAGE or skip this step if the option is
unavailable
iv. Check Verify disk after burning then click burn
v. Hit the close button the eject the disk
b. For ISO Recorder
i. Open your CD burner and insert disk
ii. Locate the Ubuntu ISO image and right click it
iii. Click COPY IMAGE TO CD/DVD
iv. Leave all option as defaults and click next
v. The program will now burn the ISO image
vi. Click Finish and eject the disk
3. (If using a CD skip this step)For using a USB stick you will need to
download an installer onto it from here
www.pendrivelinux.com/downloads/Universal-USB-Installer.

a. Double click the file to run it

b. Choose the version of Ubuntu you have

Warning:
downloaded. In this case it will be Ubuntu
-This process will delete all
14.04
contents previously stored on
c. Select Browse and open the ISO file you
the USB stick. Be sure to back
downloaded earlier
up all files you wish to keep
d. Select your memory stick from the drop
down list
e. Click create
f. Your USB stick is now ready to be used to
install the operating system
4. Power off the computer you will be using to install LINUX Ubuntu 14.04(If
using a CD, load it into the tray prior to turning the computer off)

a. Start the computer and enter the BIOS screen

i. BIOS stands for Basic Input/Output System. While the
system boots, there will be a screen with an option to enter
BIOS. Normally you do this by pressing a button like Delete
of F12 when the prompt appears. Your particular system
will tell you which button to press
ii. A menu will appear with options for locations to boot from.
CD/DVD drive will most likely be the default and USB will

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iii.
iv.
v.

vi.
vii.
viii.

also be on the list. Make sure the appropriate selection is

highlighted and press enter
Wait a few seconds and Ubuntu will begin to load
Follow the instructions as prompted for selecting language,
country, time zone and other basic information
Next will be a prepare disk space
Warning:
screen. These instructions are for
-This process will delete all
what is called a Clean Install
contents previously stored on
which will make LINUX Ubuntu to
the hard drive. Be sure to
only operating system on the
back up all files you wish to
computer and it will replace the
keep before installing Ubuntu
previous one. Select Erase and
use the entire disk
Follow the remaining prompts to
choose a user name and password
Click Install. When the installation completes, remove the
USB stick or CD and restart the computer
You now have a brand new operating system on your
computer!

What To Expect Now

If you are new to using a LINUX OS do not be worried. The layout and feel of
Ubuntu may be different than what you are used to but it comes preloaded
with a web browser, words processor, presentation software, and most of the
basic applications you would expect. Ubuntu will require more user
management than other operating systems. You may find this daunting but
it also gives you greater control over the contents of your property. If you
ever need help using your new operating system then, from the desktop,
click System then select Help and Support. There is always a helpful
community of LINUX users, developers, and enthusiasts willing to assist you
in learning.

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