Ubuntu Linux For Dummies (2007)

In This Chapter

· Evaluating what you need

· Selecting settings: Language and time zone

· Defining your user account

· Configuring a file system to install to

· Installing Ubuntu Linux to your hard drive

· Finishing the installation

You can install Ubuntu to your hard drive if you have space alongside Microsoft Windows, intend to erase a current Windows installation entirely, or are using a new hard drive.

If you don't want to completely erase Windows, Chapter 3 shows how to free up space from your current Windows installation.

This chapter is divided into sections describing each stage of the permanent Ubuntu installation process on a hard drive.

This chapter is only a fraction of the length of other installation chapters I've written — which shows how straightforward installing Ubuntu is.

Stage 1: Gathering Your Resources

In general, Ubuntu Linux is easy to install. Use the following checklist to make sure you have everything you need for the installation:

· A compatible computer

Ubuntu can run on

o Intel/AMD-compatible 32-bit PCs: This book's companion CD runs on 32-bit PCs.

Almost all PCs made in the last 20 years use 32-bit processors.

o Intel/AMD-compatible 64-bit PCs: This book's companion Ubuntu CD does not work on 64-bit computers. You can download a 64-bit Ubuntu CD from http://releases.ubuntu.com/6.10. Ubuntu provides instructions for burning the CD at http://help.ubuntu.com/community/BurningIsoHowto.

Many of the newest, fastest PCs use 64-bit processors. Computers using the Advanced Micro Devices AMD64 (Athlon64 and Opteron) or Intel EM64T (Xeon) processors are 64-bit.

o PowerPC-based Apple Macs: This book's companion CD does not work with PowerPC-based computers. You can download a PowerPC-compatible CD from http://releases.ubuntu.com/6.10. Ubuntu provides instructions for burning the CD at http://help.ubuntu.com/community/BurningIsoHowto.

Before you attempt to install Ubuntu on a computer, make sure that you save every file from the computer that you might need later. Chapter 3 covers Windows backup options.

· CD-ROM or DVD drive

Your computer must have a CD-ROM or DVD drive that you can boot Ubuntu from.

If you plan to use the disc that comes with this book, you can use a CD or DVD drive.

· A hard drive with enough empty disk space

You need one of the following devices:

o A new, empty hard drive

o A used hard drive you can completely erase

You don't need to prepare the hard drive before installing Ubuntu if you don't wish to save the operating system that's on it (for example, Windows), installed applications (such as Word and Photoshop), and any data (word processor files, pictures, e-mail messages, bookmarks, and so on).

You will erase the operating system and any data on the disk, if any exist, using this option. You should back up all of your personal files, settings, and data before using this option. Chapter 3 shows how to back up files.

o A used hard drive you can repartition

If you need Windows, you can repartition your computer to make a place for Ubuntu, too. Chapter 3 describes how to free up space from a Windows partition and format it for use by Ubuntu.

You can repartition a hard drive that contains other operating systems. Repartitioning simply means that you shrink the space allocated to an existing operating system and create unused space that you can use to install Ubuntu.

· An Ubuntu DVD or CD-ROM

We supply an Ubuntu CD for 32-bit PCs in the back cover of this book.

You don't need a network connection to install Ubuntu. You can proceed through the installation now if you don't have a network connection and install and configure a network connection later. Chapters 6, 7, 8, and 9 describe how to configure Ubuntu to use various networks and make an Internet connection.

Chapter 4. Installing Ubuntu Linux

In This Chapter

· Evaluating what you need

· Selecting settings: Language and time zone

· Defining your user account

· Configuring a file system to install to

· Installing Ubuntu Linux to your hard drive

· Finishing the installation

You can install Ubuntu to your hard drive if you have space alongside Microsoft Windows, intend to erase a current Windows installation entirely, or are using a new hard drive.

If you don't want to completely erase Windows, Chapter 3 shows how to free up space from your current Windows installation.

This chapter is divided into sections describing each stage of the permanent Ubuntu installation process on a hard drive.

This chapter is only a fraction of the length of other installation chapters I've written — which shows how straightforward installing Ubuntu is.

Stage 1: Gathering Your Resources

In general, Ubuntu Linux is easy to install. Use the following checklist to make sure you have everything you need for the installation:

· A compatible computer

Ubuntu can run on

o Intel/AMD-compatible 32-bit PCs: This book's companion CD runs on 32-bit PCs.

Almost all PCs made in the last 20 years use 32-bit processors.

o Intel/AMD-compatible 64-bit PCs: This book's companion Ubuntu CD does not work on 64-bit computers. You can download a 64-bit Ubuntu CD from http://releases.ubuntu.com/6.10. Ubuntu provides instructions for burning the CD at http://help.ubuntu.com/community/BurningIsoHowto.

Many of the newest, fastest PCs use 64-bit processors. Computers using the Advanced Micro Devices AMD64 (Athlon64 and Opteron) or Intel EM64T (Xeon) processors are 64-bit.

o PowerPC-based Apple Macs: This book's companion CD does not work with PowerPC-based computers. You can download a PowerPC-compatible CD from http://releases.ubuntu.com/6.10. Ubuntu provides instructions for burning the CD at http://help.ubuntu.com/community/BurningIsoHowto.

Before you attempt to install Ubuntu on a computer, make sure that you save every file from the computer that you might need later. Chapter 3 covers Windows backup options.

· CD-ROM or DVD drive

Your computer must have a CD-ROM or DVD drive that you can boot Ubuntu from.

If you plan to use the disc that comes with this book, you can use a CD or DVD drive.

· A hard drive with enough empty disk space

You need one of the following devices:

o A new, empty hard drive

o A used hard drive you can completely erase

You don't need to prepare the hard drive before installing Ubuntu if you don't wish to save the operating system that's on it (for example, Windows), installed applications (such as Word and Photoshop), and any data (word processor files, pictures, e-mail messages, bookmarks, and so on).

You will erase the operating system and any data on the disk, if any exist, using this option. You should back up all of your personal files, settings, and data before using this option. Chapter 3 shows how to back up files.

o A used hard drive you can repartition

If you need Windows, you can repartition your computer to make a place for Ubuntu, too. Chapter 3 describes how to free up space from a Windows partition and format it for use by Ubuntu.

You can repartition a hard drive that contains other operating systems. Repartitioning simply means that you shrink the space allocated to an existing operating system and create unused space that you can use to install Ubuntu.

· An Ubuntu DVD or CD-ROM

We supply an Ubuntu CD for 32-bit PCs in the back cover of this book.

You don't need a network connection to install Ubuntu. You can proceed through the installation now if you don't have a network connection and install and configure a network connection later. Chapters 6, 7, 8, and 9 describe how to configure Ubuntu to use various networks and make an Internet connection.

Stage 2: Starting the Install

Follow these steps to start the installation process:

1. Boot Ubuntu from the DVD or CD-ROM.

Chapter 2 walks you through this process.

You see the screen shown in Figure 4-1 when Ubuntu is up and running.

Figure 4-1: Looking at the Ubuntu desktop.

The Install icon, near the upper-left side of the screen, indicates that Ubuntu wants to make the installation process as simple as possible.

· Double-click the Install icon (or right-click and select Open).

The Welcome screen, shown in Figure 4-1 , opens.

Figure 4-1: Welcome to Ubuntu!

The welcome screen really, really wants to get started, so it's really a Welcome, welcome, yeah, yeah, yeah, please pick your language.

· Click to select the language of your choice and click Forward.

So far, so good, eh? You're ready to move on to Stage 3.

Stage 3: Selecting Your Time Zone

The next steps ask you some straightforward questions about sundry items such as your time zone. Here's how you can move through quickly:

1. Select the general area near your time zone.

The Ubuntu installation displays a world map, shown in Figure 4-1 . Click anywhere near where you live — you don't have to be precise.

Figure 4-1: Set up your time zone.

You can select the city closest to your residence:

1. Click the Selected City drop-down menu below the map.

2. Scroll through the list and select your city.

· Select your time zone.

When you click your general geographical area, the map zooms in on that area. You then click the city closest to where you live and your time zone is selected.

You can use this window to

· Correct your clock.

Click the Set Time button near the lower-right side of the window and the Time and Date Settings window opens. You can change the time and date as desired.

· Tell your computer to synchronize itself with time servers using the NTP (Network Time Protocol) system.

Click the Synchronize Now button, and your computer synchronizes itself automatically. Click the OK button in the Date/Time Properties dialog when finished.

· Click the Forward button.

The Keyboard Layout window opens. Figure 4-1 shows the Keyboard Layout dialog.

Figure 4-1: What keyboard are you using?

Good job! Now you can move on to Stage 4.

Stage 4: Setting Up Your Login Account

The section describes how to select a username, a password, and (optionally) a name for your computer. Follow these steps:

1. Click the Forward button.

The Who Are You? window opens.

I wonder if Pete Townshend uses Ubuntu.

Figure 4-1 shows the initial screen.

Figure 4-1: Who are you? Who who?

· Type your name in the What Is Your Name? text box.

· Type the username in the What Name Do You Want to Use to Log In? text box.

· Type a good password in the Choose a Password to Keep Your Account Safe text box.

Selecting a good password is critical to maintaining good security. Consider these important points:

· Pick a password that you can remember without writing it down.

· The password should never use words that can be found in a dictionary.

· The password should be at least eight characters long.

The longer the better, as long as you can remember it.

Practice using a new password several times immediately after creating it to ensure it sticks in your memory.

I find the best compromise is to pick a phrase you like and change it. For instance, take The kids are alright and change it to da kids okay, which becomes d@k1dsokay. That's a very good ten characters long, and I can remember it without writing it down.

· Type your computer's name in the What Is the Name of This Computer? text box.

This is the name your computer will be known as on the network.

Figure 4-1 shows an example of the fictitious user Joe Computer's account.

Figure 4-1: Joe Computer's example account.

Okay, enough about you. Click the Forward button and move on to Stage 5.

Stage 5: Selecting a File System

The most difficult part of the Ubuntu installation process actually isn't difficult at all. This part of the installation process requires you to select the hard drive partitioning onto which Ubuntu will be installed.

The Select a Disk window opens as the Ubuntu installation system searches for and finds a hard drive (disk) to use. When the search process finishes, the Prepare Disk Space window, shown in Figure 4-1 , opens.

Figure 4-1: Tell the installer how to partition the disk.

I recommend using one of these options:

· Resize Partition and Use Freed Space: Select the largest existing, unused partition space.

The following section, "Selecting an unused partition," shows the steps.

· Erase Entire Disk: Erase an entire hard drive and use it to install Ubuntu onto.

The section "Erasing an entire disk" shows the steps.

I don't recommend using the Manually Edit Partition Table option unless you're already an expert Ubuntu Linux user.

Selecting an unused partition

Ubuntu can live side by side on the same hard drive with Microsoft Windows, in a dual-boot configuration (which means that you can install two operating systems on one computer).

If you need to set up Ubuntu on the same hard drive as Windows, Chapter 3 describes how to free up space from a Windows partition and format the partition for use by Ubuntu.

When you have the partition you need for Ubuntu, follow these steps:

1. Select the Resize SCSI1 (0,0,0), partition #1 (sda) and Use Freed Space: radio button.

At this point, you've selected the option to delete all files on your Windows hard drive. You haven't actually erased anything yet.

2. Proceed to the section "Stage 6: Installing Ubuntu Linux" to complete the Ubuntu installation process.

Erasing an entire disk

Erasing a disk is easy. Just take a hammer and smash the hard drive.

However, if you want to erase the hard drive and then use it for Ubuntu, the Ubuntu installation system can do the job.

This is the option that deletes everything from your computer, including Microsoft Windows. If you want to keep what's already on your computer, follow the steps in the "Selecting an unused partition" section and continue on with "Stage 6: Installing Ubuntu Linux."

If you want to connect Ubuntu to wireless networks, you might need your Windows driver and information file for your wireless network card. Chapter 7 shows how to find them. Save these files somewhere else (like on a CD) before you wipe out Windows.

Follow these steps to erase Windows:

1. Click the Erase Entire Disk radio button in the Prepare Disk Space dialog.

At this point, you've select the option to delete all files on your Windows hard drive. You haven't actually erased anything yet.

2. Proceed to the section "Stage 6: Installing Ubuntu Linux" to complete the Ubuntu installation process.

Stage 6: Installing Ubuntu Linux

All that remains now to finish installing Ubuntu Linux on your computer is to install Ubuntu Linux to your hard drive. So take a deep breath and follow the instructions in this section.

This is the point of no return for your computer:

· If you intend to install Ubuntu alongside Microsoft Windows — without erasing Windows, you might unintentionally erase files, folders, or Windows itself — before you complete the installation, you should be sure that

o You've backed up your files.

o You have the original software to reinstall your Windows operating system and programs.

If you haven't backed up your computer, you should click the Cancel button. Check out Chapter 3 for backup instructions and advice.

· If Ubuntu will be the only operating system on your PC, this is the point where the old operating system and all your old files will be obliterated. Last chance to click Cancel and change your mind!

If you've been following the installation instructions in this chapter, here's how to format your Linux partitions and install Ubuntu onto them:

1. Click the Forward button.

The Ready to Install dialog opens.

o The dialog shows all the selections you've made so far during the installation process.

o The dialog shows the partitions it will create within the space you allocated in Chapter 3.

Figure 4-1 shows an example Ready to Install dialog.

Figure 4-1: The Ready to Install dialog shows all of your installation choices.

All changes that you've made so far, while preparing to install Ubuntu, aren't permanent. If you continue from here, the changes will be permanent.

· Your disk will be formatted.

· Ubuntu files will be installed.

You can go back to any previous menu by clicking the Back button.

· Click the Install button.

The Installing System dialog opens, displaying

· A graphical progress indicator

· A short description of the function being performed

The installation process will take at least a few minutes while Ubuntu

· Formats its partition on your hard drive

· Copies itself from the DVD or CD-ROM to its partition on your hard drive

This is a good time to get another cup of coffee, tea, tequila, or whatever. When you get back, you'll probably be ready for the next section of the chapter.

Stage 7: Finishing the Installation

After Ubuntu finishes installing itself, it opens the Installation Complete dialog shown in Figure 4-1 .

Figure 4-1: The Installation Complete dialog.

You're given the option to either

· Continue Using the Live CD: Clicking this button puts your computer back into the state it was in before starting the installation process. You can continue to use the live CD instance. (The information you entered during the installation configuration is saved. You can reuse the information you previously entered if you start the installation process again.)

· Restart Now: Clicking this option restarts your computer. During the reboot, you should eject the Ubuntu CD-ROM or DVD (in Step 2 of the list that follows) and you'll reboot into the permanently installed version of Ubuntu Linux.

If you've been following the instructions in this chapter, here's how to reboot to the Ubuntu Linux installation on your hard drive:

1. Click the Restart Now button.

Live Ubuntu starts shutting itself down and prompts you to press the Enter key, as shown in Figure 4-1 .

Figure 4-1: Ubuntu prompts you to finish the shutdown process.

· Remove the Ubuntu disc and press the Enter key.

Ubuntu restarts your computer and displays a boot option menu, as shown in Figure 4-1 .

Figure 4-1: Boot that baby up!

· Press the Enter key to continue the boot process.

By default, Ubuntu will boot itself after ten seconds if you do nothing. (Pressing the up- or down-arrow key moves the menu cursor and prevents any action until you press the Enter key.)

Chapter 24 shows how to use the boot menu to find bad memory (RAM), fix a misbehaving graphics card, or reset a forgotten password.

Ubuntu boots and displays a login screen, as shown in Figure 4-1 .

Figure 4-1: Come on in!

· Type your username and password.

If you've followed the instructions in this chapter, use the name and password you created in the "Stage 4: Setting Up Your Login Account" section.

Ubuntu authenticates you and drops you into a GNOME window, shown in Figure 4-1 . (GNOME is pronounced guh-NOME. Don't worry about what that guh-means right now. It's pretty much just your desktop. I tell you more about it in Chapters 11 and 12.)

Figure 4-1: There's no place like GNOME.

In the GNOME window, you see the following:

· An icon pointing to your installation CD-ROM or DVD, if present.

If you're using the CD that comes with this book, the icon says Ubuntu 6.10 i386.

· A dialog informing you that updates are available. If you're connected to a network with Internet access or directly to the Internet, your Ubuntu computer is, too. (Installing Ubuntu doesn't change any devices — such as a DSL or cable modem — that you've already configured. Ubuntu will automatically connect to your network or Internet connection.)

The Updates Available window means that there are newer versions available for software installed on your computer.

· A dialog named Software Packages Volume is detected, if your Ubuntu CD is still in place.

This GNOME window is similar to the live disc default window, but the Examples and Install icons from the live disc version are missing.

Congratulations! You're now the proud owner of a permanent Ubuntu installation. Unlike live Ubuntu, any changes you now make to the installation are saved.

Chapter 5 describes how to get started using Ubuntu Linux.