Lock Down Linux, Lock Out Threats
You might have heard of other Linux flavors like Fedora, Linux Mint, or Pop!_OS. Each of these distributions has their own vibe and features, but if you’re just starting out, I will recommend Ubuntu because it is a best Linux OS to begin with, It is one of the most user-friendly and widely used Linux distributions, with a huge community. That means if you ever run into a problem, you can easily find help by some web searches.
Those who are switching from Windows, we’ve chosen Ubuntu because it’s designed to be smooth and simple. Its desktop layout is intuitive even a bit like Windows, with icons and menus you’ll fell just a few similarities, which makes the switch a breeze. Plus, Ubuntu comes with plenty of software ready to go and gets regular updates to keep everything secure. Now, let’s gather everything you’ll need before you begin.
What you’ll need before you begin
- A PC or laptop: At least 2 GHz dual-core CPU with ~4 GB of RAM, and about 25 GB of free disk space (Ubuntu can run on less, but 25+ GB gives room for files and apps.)
- USB flash drive: 8 GB or larger (Ubuntu’s installer is about 5 GB, 12 GB+ is recommended for newest releases). This will become your bootable flash drive.
- Ubuntu ISO file: The Ubuntu Desktop image (ISO) – download it from the official Ubuntu site ubuntu.com. (Pick the latest LTS version for stability.)
- Rufus (Windows tool): A free tool to write the ISO to USB. Download Rufus from rufus.ie on your Windows PC.
- Backup: Copy your important Windows files to an external drive or cloud. Installing Ubuntu (especially if erasing disk) will remove entire Windows and all your data.
- Internet: (Optional) A network connection helps downloading updates and drivers during install.
Downloading Ubuntu (ISO)
Go to the official website of Ubuntu (ubuntu.com) and find the Ubuntu Desktop download page. Then click the Download button for the latest Ubuntu LTS (long-term support) release. Downloaded Ubuntu image file will be used to create a bootable flash drive.
Creating a bootable USB (with Rufus)
You will need to “burn” the Ubuntu ISO file onto the USB drive. This isn’t just copying the file – you will be needing special software for that, So for that we will use Rufus on Windows. Here’s how:
- Plug in the USB drive to your Windows PC. Run Rufus (you might need to right-click and “Run as administrator”).
- In Rufus, under Device, select your USB stick. Then in Boot selection click SELECT and choose the Ubuntu ISO file you downloaded.
- Leave Partition scheme and other settings at their defaults (usually “MBR” for BIOS or “GPT” for UEFI). Rufus should auto-detect the mode.
- Click START. It will warn that it will erase the USB – click on OK to confirm. It may download additional files, it will take a wile. This will write the Ubuntu installer to the USB.
- When it finishes (status will show “READY”), close Rufus and safely eject the USB stick. Now your bootable Ubuntu USB is ready!
Booting into Ubuntu (BIOS/UEFI tips)
Leave the USB plugged in and reboot the computer. On the Boot screen Press F12 for boot menu or Press Esc to select boot device. Commonly F12, Esc, F2, or F10 these button are used. Then press the prompted key, then select your USB drive from the menu.
Once booted from USB, you’ll see the purple Ubuntu welcome screen.
Step-by-step Ubuntu installation walkthrough
Follow these steps.
- Try or Install: The first screen shows a “Try” or “Install Ubuntu” choice. Click Install Ubuntu to begin installation,
- Select language: Choose your preferred language and click Next.
- Keyboard layout: Select your appropriate Keyboard layout and , click Next.
- Connect to Wi-Fi: If you want to Connect to the internet and want to install update along with Ubuntu installation, you can skip this step and connect and update it later, then ,Click Continue.
- Other software: You’ll see options Install third-party software for graphics and Wi-Fi hardware, and additional media formats. Check both boxes, This will fetch the latest fixes and enable MP3/video playback and proprietary drivers like for Nvidia graphics. Click Continue.
- Installation type: Now choose Erase disk and install Ubuntu this will completely erase your you disk so do make your backup , after that Click Next,
- Select your location: select your location to set your region and time zone Click Next.
- User setup: Enter your name, a computer name, a username, and a strong password. You can choose to log in automatically or require a password each time, Then Click Next.
- Installing. Ubuntu will now copy files and install. You’ll see a progress bar and slideshow of features. This takes a few minutes.
- Done – restart: When installation finishes, you’ll be prompted to Restart Now. Click it and remove the USB stick when told. The system will reboot into your brand-new Ubuntu desktop
After restarting, and logging in into you’ll see the left side dock has common apps: Firefox web browser, LibreOffice office suite, System Settings, Trash Bin and Ubuntu Software for apps.
Installing Updates & Drivers
The first thing to do is update your system. Ubuntu may have applied some updates during installation if you were online, but it’s a good to run the update again. Search for Terminal and type sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade.