Installing Ubuntu from a Live USB: A Comprehensive Guide

There are two primary methods to install Ubuntu: you can either choose the install option directly from the initial menu, or you can evaluate the live-booting environment first. After you live boot, you will find the option to proceed with the installation from the desktop. Remember that this process will erase all data on any partition with at least 30GB of free space, so make sure to back up your important files before proceeding.

Effortless Method: Using UNetbootin

If you desire a simpler approach, UNetbootin is an excellent choice. This tool allows you to create a bootable USB drive with Ubuntu. You can easily download UNetbootin via a simple Google search—though, due to platform restrictions, I cannot provide embedded links here.

Once you have UNetbootin installed, you have two methods to create your live USB. The first is straightforward: plug in your USB drive, select the Ubuntu distribution you want, and let the program handle the rest. Be warned that this method is slow as it relies on a series of mirrors for downloading and installing the software. A faster method is to have the Ubuntu ISO file downloaded beforehand and then select it within the program. This is especially useful if you plan on installing the more feature-rich Ubuntu Ultimate version, which comes with a multitude of pre-installed applications and enhanced customization options.

Step-by-Step Installation Process

The installation process is user-friendly but requires some technical know-how. Here’s how to proceed:

Ensure a Bootable USB Drive: It’s often challenging to create a bootable USB. You might end up with an MS-DOS file system on your USB, which won’t work. If you run into this issue, you might need to download software to transfer the bootable image to the USB.

Change Boot Sequence: Modify your BIOS settings to ensure that the machine boots from the USB drive first. If the USB is unplugged, the BIOS will simply move to the next boot device. The exact steps to do this vary based on your system’s BIOS, so refer to your manual for detailed instructions.

Insert USB and Power Cycle: Insert the bootable USB into a USB socket and turn on your system. The installation process will start shortly, and you might have to wait 5-10 minutes depending on your USB and system speeds.

Installation Options: Once the boot process completes, you have two choices: install Ubuntu or run it in live mode. Running in live mode allows you to test the software before making any changes to your existing system.

Installation Deliberation: The installer will ask if you want to install Ubuntu alongside existing installations or as a full-installation. Choosing the dual-boot option will enable you to select your preferred OS at boot time.

System Configuration: The installer will prompt you to configure your system settings, including your keyboard layout, time zone, network configuration, and swap partition size. These settings are crucial, so take the time to answer them correctly.

Finish and Wait: After configuring your settings, the installer will perform some final tweaks, and you can sit back and relax while the system reboots. You will log in and the installer will complete the process.

If you are new to Linux, don’t be intimidated. We were all beginners once, and help is always available. If you encounter any issues, reach out for assistance. Many Linux enthusiasts are supportive, but some might be less friendly. Ignore those who are unhelpful and persistently ask for help until you find the answers you need. Good luck!