Ubuntu System Requirements
Ubuntu is not a overly vicious resource hog, it has system requirements that almost any old computer can run.
- 700MHz Processor (anything Intel Celeron or better)
- 512 MB RAM
- 5GB Hard-Drive capacity (or memory media if you're looking to use this in LiveCD format)
- VGA capable of 1024X768 screen resolution.
Realistically Ubuntu system requirements are capable of being matched by most thrift store computers, or old gaming systems. Making it a great candidate for almost all computers.
Installing Linux
Of course step one will be Download Ubuntu, but after that, there are a couple of ways that installation can be done, but before we install you must make the installation media. As a personal preference I would suggest you install Linux from USB by making a bootable flash drive, or you could make a DVD to house the installer, a CD will not be large enough to house the required amount of data.
As far as actually installing Ubuntu, it is pretty straight forward, a plethora of prompts that offer multiple options to choose from. Prompts asking for location for time zone purposes, which hard drive you want to use, if you agree with terms and conditions. Just the basic rigmarole required to get you up and running. But there is one cool important prompt that pops up as one of the first options asked.
Dual Boot Ubuntu
One of the first options asked of you is how do you want to install on your existing hard drive. Would you like to install it along side your existing copy of which ever operating system you have? Would you like to replace your copy of whichever operating system you have? Or would you like to re-size and format your partitions in a fashion you find most suitable for your needs. This is a cool features that not every Linux installer will give you, if you're running a different version of Linux though and want to just test this one out along side, it is a cool feature. Maybe you want to say go away Mac OSX or Windows, that choice is up to you, having multiple options is a fun thing to have.
Learn Ubuntu During Installation
After you have gone through the basic steps, and gotten through the prompts, the final screen is a fun little informative window that will tell you about Ubuntu. Not seriously important, but some good information can be hidden in that information window. Not a crucial part of this whole article, but thought it was worth a note.
Ubuntu Unity
Here is the point where many Linux users draw a line, the desktop environment of choice. Unlike Microsoft Windows standard desktop, or MacOSX standard desktop, Linux hosts a huge plethora of desktop choices. Many have standard ones they come with, but you always have the choice to change. Ubuntu Unity is one of those standard desktops that you will either love, or hate. Let's explain how it functions a little first. Unity aligns everything to the left hand side, in a pop open way, similar to windows 8's side bar, or OSX bottom bar, tucks away when not in use. On this bar it has multiple options and tools, similar to a regular task bar, or tool bar on the more regularly used operating systems.
It is not hard to figure out, but it may take some getting used to and adjustments. Of course this is a new way of working, but Ubuntu symbol on the top of the task bar makes learning Ubuntu easy. Unlike other distro, you will not start out by searching command line or websites for compatible software for your needs, instead that button opens up the Ubuntu Software Center, a centralized "app store" type download center. Trying to get a productivity software, or some form of photo editing software, is made extremely simple with Ubuntu Software Center.
User Experience
Ubuntu, like any new operating system, will take some time to get used to, but Unity is in all honesty quite enjoyable for anyone looking to try something new. It has an approach that is unlike almost any other desktop environment, but still is somewhat intuitive, despite a general familiarity with the buttons being on the bottom.
Using Ubuntu software Center, and learning the environment, will become second nature quite quickly. It is going to become somewhat flowing in the way you are going to use it. Not hard to use, not hard to install.
Conclusion
As a absolute beginner to Linux, Ubuntu is a solid choice as an introductory operating system. There are other options available, but Ubuntu itself is quite unique in its execution. Starting with a user friendly installation prompt, and ending with a different style desktop environment that is very intuitive. Definitely a good solid choice for a first time Linux user.
If you have an comments, questions, or concerns, let us know in the comment section below. And as always, be safe my fellow goblins.
Installing Linux
Of course step one will be Download Ubuntu, but after that, there are a couple of ways that installation can be done, but before we install you must make the installation media. As a personal preference I would suggest you install Linux from USB by making a bootable flash drive, or you could make a DVD to house the installer, a CD will not be large enough to house the required amount of data.As far as actually installing Ubuntu, it is pretty straight forward, a plethora of prompts that offer multiple options to choose from. Prompts asking for location for time zone purposes, which hard drive you want to use, if you agree with terms and conditions. Just the basic rigmarole required to get you up and running. But there is one cool important prompt that pops up as one of the first options asked.
Dual Boot Ubuntu
One of the first options asked of you is how do you want to install on your existing hard drive. Would you like to install it along side your existing copy of which ever operating system you have? Would you like to replace your copy of whichever operating system you have? Or would you like to re-size and format your partitions in a fashion you find most suitable for your needs. This is a cool features that not every Linux installer will give you, if you're running a different version of Linux though and want to just test this one out along side, it is a cool feature. Maybe you want to say go away Mac OSX or Windows, that choice is up to you, having multiple options is a fun thing to have.Learn Ubuntu During Installation
After you have gone through the basic steps, and gotten through the prompts, the final screen is a fun little informative window that will tell you about Ubuntu. Not seriously important, but some good information can be hidden in that information window. Not a crucial part of this whole article, but thought it was worth a note.
Ubuntu Unity
Here is the point where many Linux users draw a line, the desktop environment of choice. Unlike Microsoft Windows standard desktop, or MacOSX standard desktop, Linux hosts a huge plethora of desktop choices. Many have standard ones they come with, but you always have the choice to change. Ubuntu Unity is one of those standard desktops that you will either love, or hate. Let's explain how it functions a little first. Unity aligns everything to the left hand side, in a pop open way, similar to windows 8's side bar, or OSX bottom bar, tucks away when not in use. On this bar it has multiple options and tools, similar to a regular task bar, or tool bar on the more regularly used operating systems.It is not hard to figure out, but it may take some getting used to and adjustments. Of course this is a new way of working, but Ubuntu symbol on the top of the task bar makes learning Ubuntu easy. Unlike other distro, you will not start out by searching command line or websites for compatible software for your needs, instead that button opens up the Ubuntu Software Center, a centralized "app store" type download center. Trying to get a productivity software, or some form of photo editing software, is made extremely simple with Ubuntu Software Center.
User Experience
Ubuntu, like any new operating system, will take some time to get used to, but Unity is in all honesty quite enjoyable for anyone looking to try something new. It has an approach that is unlike almost any other desktop environment, but still is somewhat intuitive, despite a general familiarity with the buttons being on the bottom.
Using Ubuntu software Center, and learning the environment, will become second nature quite quickly. It is going to become somewhat flowing in the way you are going to use it. Not hard to use, not hard to install.
Conclusion
As a absolute beginner to Linux, Ubuntu is a solid choice as an introductory operating system. There are other options available, but Ubuntu itself is quite unique in its execution. Starting with a user friendly installation prompt, and ending with a different style desktop environment that is very intuitive. Definitely a good solid choice for a first time Linux user.
If you have an comments, questions, or concerns, let us know in the comment section below. And as always, be safe my fellow goblins.
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