How to Install Ubuntu 12.10 (Clean Install)

Ubuntu is a Linux operating system that has a reputation for being basic and easy to use. Ubuntu was also the world’s most popular Linux operating system for the year 2012. Ubuntu is based on Debian Linux operating system and has many derivatives that come from it. Examples include: Kubuntu, Edubuntu, Xubuntu, and many others. Ubuntu is developed and supported by Canonical Ltd. If you are new to Linux and want to try your luck with a real Ubuntu clean install then this step-by-step guide is a great start.

Before you begin make sure you have the following system requirements for this installation guide. This ensures a simple and easier installation.

 

RAM: 512 MB

CPU: 500MHz

HDD: 5 GB

NOTE: This installation guide shows you how to do a clean install of Ubuntu 12.10 with a blank Hard Drive and if following the steps exactly then Ubuntu will be the ONLY operating system on your computer.

The first step you need to do to install Ubuntu Linux is to head on over to the Ubuntu website and download the ISO image for the installation. The link to the download page for the Ubuntu 12.10 Desktop edition is: http://www.ubuntu.com/download/desktop

Once you have downloaded the ISO image for the installation then you need to burn the ISO image to a blank DVD. If you do not know how to do this then do a Google search for “burning ISO image” using your operating system. I will be posting a guide soon on how to do this but for now there are many great tutorials out there.

Once you have burned the ISO image to a blank DVD then it is time to start the installation. Put the disk into the disk drive if it isn’t already and reboot your computer. When your computer reboots be sure to boot off of the Disk and not back into your current operating system. If your computer does not boot off of the disk then you may have to change your bios settings.

Once you boot off of the Ubuntu Disk then your screen should look like the image below.

ubuntu1204_Install_Clean_001

From this screen you have two options. The first one “Try Ubuntu” allows you to boot into the live Disk and try Ubuntu without making any changes to your computer. If you are looking to just see if you like Ubuntu and not install it then this is the option for you.

The second option allows you to install the Ubuntu operating system onto your computer. This is the option we will be choosing for this installation guide.

On the next screen you will need to make sure that you have at least 4.8 GB of free hard drive space. I also recommend being connected to the Internet and checking the option to “Download updates while installing”. I do not recommend installing third-party software at this time; you can always do that later.

ubuntu1204_Install_Clean_002

On the next screen you will be selecting the “Erase disk and install Ubuntu” option. As noted above this is for a blank hard drive and at the end of this installation then Ubuntu will be the only operating system on your computer. Click continue.

ubuntu1204_Install_Clean_003

On the next screen you will be selecting your time zone. New York happens to be in my time zone and therefore I selected New York.

ubuntu1204_Install_Clean_005

Now you will choose your keyboard layout. If you know what it is already then you may select it from the list. If not, then you may click “Detect Keyboard Layout” and follow the steps on the screen.

ubuntu1204_Install_Clean_006

Now it is time to Type your Name, Computer name, username, and password. You can choose to have your computer log in automatically to the username you supplied or to require you to log in every time you turn your computer on.

ubuntu1204_Install_Clean_007

Now your computer will finish copying the files required for the installation and complete the installation. This could take a while so be patient.

ubuntu1204_Install_Clean_008

Your computer will prompt you to reboot. Click reboot to reboot into your new Ubuntu 12.10 operating system.

ubuntu1204_Install_Clean_009

Your computer will now boot into Ubuntu and prompt you to login with your username and password provided earlier if you chose to require password at every boot. If you choose to automatically login then you will not see the login screen below but rather boot strait to the desktop.

ubuntu1204_Install_Clean_010

After logging in you should see the desktop shown below. Welcome to Ubuntu 12.10.

ubuntu1204_Install_Clean_011

Congratulations you have successfully installed Ubuntu 12.10 onto your computer. If you liked this guide then be sure to share this with other people. Also, be sure to leave a comment below and let me know if you have any questions.