How to Download and Install Ubuntu as a Standalone OS 🚀💻💡

Danish TamboliDanish Tamboli
5 min read

🧐 Why Install Ubuntu as Your Main OS?🌟

  • Speed and Simplicity ⚡: Without a second OS, Ubuntu runs smoothly and fast🔥.

  • All-in-One Setup 🔄: No switching between operating systems—it’s all Ubuntu🔧!

  • Safety and Reliability 🔒: Ubuntu is secure📢, stable, and perfect for daily use🌱.

🏡 Example: It’s like redecorating your home💾, so every room feels like “yours.” 🕹️Ubuntu gives your computer a fresh start!📡


📝 What You’ll Need to Get Started💾

Here’s everything🤝 you need to set up Ubuntu on your computer💻:

  1. A USB Drive🚨: At least 4 GB for creating a “bootable” USB💰.

  2. Backup Your Data📋: Installing Ubuntu will delete your current system, so save important files to another device🎉.

  3. Ubuntu ISO File🆓: Download from Ubuntu’s official site (it’s free!)💵.


Step-by-Step Guide to Install Ubuntu 💻✅🔥

Step 1: Download the Ubuntu File⬇️

  1. Visit Ubuntu’s Website⬇️:

  2. Choose Your Version✏️:

    • Download Ubuntu Desktop (it’s beginner-friendly)🧿.
  3. Save the ISO File👨‍🔧:

    • This file is like the “installer” for Ubuntu🔄.

📀 Example: Think of the ISO file as your installer “CD.”👌 You’ll use it to set up Ubuntu, just like putting a CD in a player to install a program!🌳


Step 2: Create a Bootable USB Drive 🔌

Now, let’s set up the USB drive📑 so it can install Ubuntu on your computer⚒️.

  1. Download a Tool to Create the USB⬇️:

    • For Windows users, Rufus is great☣!

    • For macOS users, try Etcher (balena.io/etcher).

  2. Select the Ubuntu File📊:

    • Insert your USB, open Rufus or Etcher, and select the Ubuntu ISO file🖥️.
  3. Create the Bootable USB:

    • Click Start🧭. It may take a few minutes, but now your USB drive is ready to install Ubuntu⏳!

🗝️ Example🚨: Think of this as making a “key” that will open Ubuntu’s door on your computer🖥️.


Step 3: Restart and Boot from the USB 🔄

  1. Restart Your Computer♻️:

    • Insert the USB and restart your computer🚨.
  2. Access the Boot Menu🛡️:

    • As it restarts, press the boot menu key (often F12, F10, ESC, or DEL depending on your computer)🌍.

    • Select USB drive to boot from🤗.

  3. Choose “Try Ubuntu” or “Install Ubuntu”👇:

    • Try Ubuntu: Gives you a sneak peek at Ubuntu without installing🎉.

    • Install Ubuntu: This is what we want for a complete installation♻️.

👀 Imagine trying on a new outfit before buying📺 it—“Try Ubuntu” is like a trial run before fully installing!🚗


Step 4: Customize Your Installation🏆

  1. Select Keyboard Layout💥:

    • Choose your preferred layout (usually English (US))📋.
  2. Choose Installation Type⚙:

    • Choose Normal Installation (recommended)❗.

    • Check Download updates while installing for the latest updates💫.

🔹 Think of this as setting up a new phone 📲 with all the basics you’ll need, like contacts, apps, and settings.⚙️🛠️


Step 5: Erase Your Disk and Install Ubuntu 💾🛠️🌟

Since we’re making Ubuntu the only operating system, here’s what to do💬🤩:

  1. Select “Erase Disk and Install Ubuntu”✅:

    • This will remove your current OS and replace it with Ubuntu💻.
  2. Confirm and Click Install Now⚡:

    • Click Continue when prompted to begin🌟.

🌱 Real-Life Example: It’s like giving your garden a fresh start, clearing old plants to grow something new. Ubuntu becomes your “new garden.” 🌷🌟


Step 6: Set Up Your Ubuntu Profile 👤

  1. Select Your Time Zone🧭:

    • Choose your location to set the correct time on Ubuntu💻.
  2. Create a Username and Password📊:

    • Enter a username and a secure password for your Ubuntu account💻.
  3. Click Continue to start installing📥.

🔑 This is like setting up your user profile on a new device so Ubuntu “knows” it’s you.⚡️


Step 7: Wait for Installation to Complete ⏳

Installation📲 may take a few minutes, so feel free to grab a coffee or relax! ☕

  • Once it’s done, you’ll see a Restart Now prompt😎.

  • Remove the USB drive🔍 before restarting so the computer boots into Ubuntu🎬.


Step 8: Welcome to Your New Ubuntu Desktop! 🎉

After logging in, you’ll see Ubuntu’s desktop. Here’s what to explore:

  • Software Center 📲: Find and install apps like Firefox, LibreOffice, and more🤔.

  • Terminal 💻: Try basic commands to learn Linux (optional)⚙.

  • Settings ⚙️: Change backgrounds, themes, and more to personalize Ubuntu📍.

🎈 Think of this as moving into a new apartment—you get to set up 🛜and make it truly feel like home! 🏡


Who Can Benefit from Ubuntu Standalone Installation? 🌍

Here’s a quick guide for different types of users:🙌

1. Beginners and Everyday Users 🌱

  • Simple and User-Friendly📜: Ubuntu is perfect for basic tasks—web browsing🌐, creating documents, or watching videos✅.

  • Great for Non-Tech Users🚨: No need to be a tech wizard; Ubuntu is easy to learn!🔮

2. Students and Learners 📚

  • Free Tools📸: Access free apps like LibreOffice for assignments🔬, GIMP for image editing, and more❤️.

  • Great for Learning✈️: Ubuntu’s interface is clear and easy to navigate🎙️.

3. Developers and IT Enthusiasts 🧑‍💻

  • Powerful and Flexible▶️: Ideal for programming, server setup✦, and tech projects😉.

  • Customizable🎤: Advanced users can set up and configure Ubuntu for their needs.♻️


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 💬🏭

1. Can I go back to my old OS after installing Ubuntu?📶

  • No, since we’re replacing it entirely🖥️. However, you can reinstall your old OS if needed (back up your files first)֎🇦🇮.

2. Do I need a powerful computer for Ubuntu?

  • Not really🔧. Ubuntu is light and works well on most computers💻 with at least 4 GB RAM🔗.

3. Is Ubuntu secure?🚀

  • Yes! Ubuntu🌐 is very secure, regularly updated, and resistant to malware📝.

Final Thoughts 🌈

  • Installing Ubuntu as your main OS is a fantastic🔎 way to start fresh📊.

  • Ubuntu’s stability📢, ease of use, and performance make it ideal for everyone💼, from casual users to tech enthusiasts📲.

  • With Ubuntu🚨, you get a reliable system full of powerful, free applications for work, school, or fun💻.

  • So go ahead—download Ubuntu🔗, create your bootable USB, and enjoy🔧 the world of Linux! 🎉

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Written by

Danish Tamboli
Danish Tamboli