LFCA 7 🐧 Installing Ubuntu Step by Step
Ubuntu is the most widely used Linux distribution for beginners, cloud instances, and servers. Installing it is a well-documented process with a modern graphical installer (Subiquity on Server, Ubiquity or the new Flutter-based installer on Desktop). This chapter walks through a full Ubuntu installation — from downloading the ISO to the first login and post-install configuration. The steps are concrete and specific to Ubuntu, but the concepts mirror any distribution. Understanding this flow means you can follow any other distro’s installer with confidence.
Key point: The Ubuntu installer is a guided wizard. It asks a few key questions — language, keyboard, network, disk layout, user creation — then does the rest. You don’t need to know every option on the first install. The default choices work for most cases. What matters is understanding what each step decides so you can make the right choice when the default isn’t right.
Before you start
An Ubuntu install needs three things prepared: the ISO, a way to boot it, and a plan for the disk.
Download the ISO: Ubuntu offers several editions.
| Edition | Use case | Size |
|---|---|---|
| Ubuntu Desktop | Desktop, laptop | ~5 GB |
| Ubuntu Server | Servers, cloud | ~2.5 GB |
| Ubuntu Cloud | Cloud images | ~600 MB |
| Ubuntu Core | IoT, embedded | Varies |
For a first install, Ubuntu Desktop LTS is the standard choice. LTS (Long-Term Support) releases come every two years and are supported for five years. The current LTS is Ubuntu 24.04 “Noble Numbat.”
Download from: ubuntu.com/download — always from the official site to avoid tampered ISOs.
Verify the checksum: After downloading, verify the SHA256 checksum against the value published on the Ubuntu site.
sha256sum ubuntu-24.04-desktop-amd64.isoIf the checksum doesn’t match, the download was corrupted — don’t install from it.
Create bootable media: For bare-metal, write the ISO to a USB drive.
- Linux:
sudo dd if=ubuntu.iso of=/dev/sdX bs=4M status=progress - macOS:
sudo dd if=ubuntu.iso of=/dev/rdiskN bs=4m - Windows: Use Rufus or balenaEtcher
Double-check the target device. dd writes without confirmation — writing to the wrong device destroys its data.
Plan the disk:
- Wipe the disk — erase everything and install Ubuntu alone
- Dual-boot — keep another OS and install alongside
- Custom — manual partitioning for LVM, encryption, or a specific layout
Back up existing data if there’s any chance you’ll wipe the wrong partition.
Why LTS over regular releases: Ubuntu’s non-LTS releases are supported for 9 months; LTS releases for 5 years. For learning, servers, and most real-world use, LTS is the right pick. You get stability and a long support window. The exam references LTS versions consistently.
Boot from the USB
To install, the machine must boot from the USB drive instead of the internal disk.
Steps:
- Insert the USB drive
- Restart the machine
- Enter BIOS/UEFI setup (keys vary — F2, F10, F12, Del, Esc)
- Set USB as the first boot device (or use the one-time boot menu — often F12)
- Save and exit
Firmware considerations:
- UEFI — the modern default; Ubuntu’s ISO boots in UEFI mode
- Secure Boot — Ubuntu is signed and boots with Secure Boot enabled
- BIOS/Legacy — older systems; Ubuntu supports it too
Common issues:
- USB not detected — try a different port (USB 2.0 if 3.0 fails)
- Secure Boot blocks boot — rare; Ubuntu is signed, but some hardware needs Secure Boot disabled
- Boot order resets — some systems need the boot menu (F12) rather than persistent BIOS changes
What you’ll see: Once booted, Ubuntu shows a menu with options:
- Try or Install Ubuntu
- Ubuntu (safe graphics)
- Test memory
- Boot from the next volume
Choose Try or Install Ubuntu to enter the installer.
Why “Try or Install”: Ubuntu lets you run the OS from the USB without installing — useful for testing hardware compatibility. The same session can then install from the desktop. This dual-purpose boot is why Ubuntu is beginner-friendly.
The installer wizard
The Ubuntu Desktop installer asks a sequence of questions. Each decides one thing.
Step 1 — Language: Pick the language for the installer and the eventual system. This affects default locale.
Step 2 — Keyboard layout: Pick the layout matching your keyboard. The installer offers a detect step and a manual choice. Wrong keyboard = wrong characters later.
Step 3 — Updates and other software:
- Normal installation — includes a browser, office suite, games, media players
- Minimal installation — just the browser and basic utilities
- Download updates while installing — recommended if network is available
- Install third-party software — graphics drivers, Wi-Fi firmware, media codecs
For a first install, Normal + Download updates + Third-party software is a safe default.
Step 4 — Installation type:
- Erase disk and install Ubuntu — wipes the entire disk
- Install alongside — dual-boot with an existing OS
- Erase disk and use LVM — logical volume management, useful for snapshots
- Erase disk and use ZFS — advanced filesystem with checksums and snapshots
- Something else — manual partitioning
For most users, Erase disk and install Ubuntu is the right choice. For advanced setups, choose LVM, ZFS, or manual.
Step 5 — Disk selection: If the machine has multiple disks, pick the target. Double-check the size — installing on the wrong disk wipes its data.
Step 6 — Time zone: Pick your time zone. The installer usually detects it from the network. Affects system clock and timestamps.
Step 7 — User creation:
- Your name — display name
- Your computer’s name — hostname
- Pick a username — login name
- Choose a password — login password
- Log in automatically or Require my password to log in
For a personal desktop, auto-login is convenient. For a shared or server machine, require a password.
Step 8 — Installation: The installer copies files, installs the bootloader, and configures the system. This takes 10–30 minutes depending on hardware and network.
Step 9 — Reboot: When installation finishes, remove the USB drive and reboot. The system boots into Ubuntu.
Why each step matters: Every choice affects the system’s behavior — language and locale, keyboard, packages, disk layout, time zone, and user accounts. None are irreversible, but getting them right the first time saves reconfiguration later.
Why the installer is a wizard: Beginners need a guided flow; experts need options. Ubuntu’s wizard hides complexity behind defaults while allowing advanced choices. The Something else option is where experienced users go for manual control. Everyone else takes the defaults.
The Server installer
Ubuntu Server uses a different installer — Subiquity, a text-based wizard.
Steps:
- Language
- Keyboard
- Network — the installer detects interfaces and asks for DHCP or manual config
- Proxy — optional; rarely needed
- Mirror — package mirror to use for installation
- Storage — automatic, LVM, ZFS, or manual
- Profile — hostname, username, password
- SSH — install OpenSSH server (recommended for remote access)
- Snaps — optional pre-installed snaps (common on server:
microk8s,nextcloud) - Install — copies files, installs bootloader
- Reboot
Key differences from Desktop:
- No desktop environment — no GUI, only terminal
- SSH setup during install — you can enable it from the start
- Smaller install — ~2 GB vs ~5 GB for Desktop
- Faster — server installs complete in 5–15 minutes
- Headless — designed for remote management
Why Server is different: Server installs are usually headless — no monitor, no keyboard. The installer runs in text mode, SSH is configured during install, and everything after is managed remotely. Desktop installs assume a person at the machine; Server installs assume a person on SSH.
Why the Server installer is text-based: A server may not have a GPU or display. Running a graphical installer would require one. Subiquity runs in the terminal, works over serial console, and can be driven by automation (cloud-init, autoinstall). It’s built for servers, not desktops.
Disk partitioning choices
The disk layout choice is the one with the longest-term consequences.
Erase disk — simplest:
The installer wipes the disk and creates a default layout:
- EFI System Partition (UEFI only): ~512 MB
- Root partition (
/): the rest - Swap file (not partition) if needed
Fine for most users. Everything lives on one partition.
Erase disk with LVM:
LVM (Logical Volume Manager) adds a layer between the disk and filesystems. You get:
- Multiple logical volumes (root, home, var, swap)
- Snapshots (roll back before updates)
- Easy resizing
Recommended for servers and advanced desktops.
Erase disk with ZFS:
ZFS is a modern filesystem with:
- Checksums and self-healing
- Snapshots and clones
- Compression
- Volume management
Aimed at advanced users. Higher memory requirements (~8 GB minimum for good performance).
Manual partitioning — “Something else”:
Full control. Choose mount points, filesystem types, sizes. Needed for:
- Dual-boot with another OS
- Preserving existing data partitions
- Custom layouts (separate
/home,/var,/boot) - Encrypted installs
Typical manual layout:
| Mount | Size | Filesystem |
|---|---|---|
/boot/efi | 512 MB | FAT32 |
/boot | 1 GB | ext4 |
/ | 30 GB | ext4 |
/home | Rest | ext4 |
| swap | 2–8 GB | swap |
What to know before choosing:
- Automatic is fine for beginners
- LVM for snapshots and flexible resizing
- ZFS for data integrity and snapshots with advanced tooling
- Manual for dual-boot, separate
/home, or encryption
Why partitioning matters: The disk layout shapes how you manage the system for years. A single-partition layout is simple but inflexible. LVM gives flexibility. ZFS gives data protection. Manual gives control. Choose based on what you’ll need later — not just today.
Why the installer offers multiple options: Different users need different layouts. A beginner wants one-click. A server admin wants LVM. A workstation user might want separate
/home. Ubuntu’s installer exposes these options without forcing them on anyone.
Encryption — LUKS
Ubuntu supports full-disk encryption during install, using LUKS (Linux Unified Key Setup).
What it does:
- Encrypts the disk contents at rest
- Prompts for a passphrase at boot to unlock
- Protects data if the disk is stolen
How to enable:
- In the installation type step, choose Advanced features… or Erase disk and use LVM
- Check Encrypt the new Ubuntu installation for security
- Choose a strong passphrase
- Continue install — everything is encrypted
Trade-offs:
- Pros: Data protection, compliance requirements
- Cons: Boot requires passphrase (no auto-unlock without extra setup), recovery from a lost passphrase is impossible, slight performance overhead
Where it matters: Laptops (theft risk), servers handling sensitive data, compliance contexts (HIPAA, GDPR, PCI DSS).
Not needed for: Test VMs, throwaway containers, or systems with no sensitive data.
Why LUKS encryption matters: A stolen laptop with an unencrypted disk gives full access to the data — passwords, files, browser sessions. With LUKS, the disk is useless without the passphrase. The install-time checkbox is the easiest way to protect data at rest.
Why install-time encryption: Encrypting after install is much harder — the disk must be re-partitioned and data migrated. Doing it during install is the standard approach. Ubuntu’s checkbox handles the LUKS setup automatically.
Post-install — the first login
After the first boot, Ubuntu is functional but unconfigured. Several tasks should be done immediately.
1. Update the system:
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade -yThis fetches security patches and package updates. Do this first, before installing anything else.
2. Configure the firewall:
sudo ufw enable
sudo ufw allow OpenSSHUFW (Uncomplicated Firewall) is the default firewall tool. Enable it before connecting to networks.
3. Set the hostname (if needed):
sudo hostnamectl set-hostname myserverOn a Desktop install, the hostname is set during install. On Server, it’s set during install too — but may be changed if the machine moves.
4. Verify the time zone and locale:
timedatectl
localectlBoth are usually correct after install, but verify on servers.
5. Install essential tools:
sudo apt install -y curl git vim htopNot installed by default (on Server). Useful for daily work.
6. Configure SSH (Server):
sudo systemctl enable --now ssh
sudo ufw allow OpenSSHSSH may already be enabled during install. Verify.
7. Set up unattended upgrades (optional):
sudo apt install unattended-upgrades
sudo dpkg-reconfigure --priority=low unattended-upgradesAutomatic security updates — good for servers.
8. Create additional users (if needed):
sudo adduser alice
sudo usermod -aG sudo aliceReplace the default user if needed, or add secondary users.
9. Check the kernel and system:
uname -r
lsb_release -aVerify what’s installed.
10. Reboot if required:
sudo rebootIf the kernel was updated, a reboot is needed.
Why post-install matters: A fresh install is minimal. Post-install configuration turns it into a usable system — patched, firewalled, with the tools and users you need. Skipping it leaves security gaps and missing utilities.
A full example
An end-to-end Ubuntu Desktop install, summarized.
PREPARE
─────────────────────────────────────────────
1. Download ubuntu-24.04-desktop-amd64.iso
2. Verify SHA256 checksum
3. Write ISO to USB with dd or Rufus
4. Back up any data on the target machine
BOOT
─────────────────────────────────────────────
5. Insert USB, restart, enter BIOS/UEFI
6. Set USB as boot device
7. Choose "Try or Install Ubuntu"
INSTALL
─────────────────────────────────────────────
8. Language: English
9. Keyboard: US
10. Updates: Normal + Download + Third-party
11. Disk: Erase disk and install Ubuntu
12. Time zone: detected from network
13. User: alice / myserver / strong password
14. Wait 10–30 minutes
FIRST BOOT
─────────────────────────────────────────────
15. Remove USB, reboot
16. Log in as alice
POST-INSTALL
─────────────────────────────────────────────
17. sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
18. sudo ufw enable
19. sudo apt install -y curl git vim htop
20. Verify: uname -r, lsb_release -aEach step corresponds to a decision or action. The commands are real; the flow is what you’ll see on any Ubuntu install.
What makes this work: Understanding why each step exists, not memorizing the clicks. Language, keyboard, network, disk, user — every question has a reason. Once you know the reasons, any distro’s installer makes sense.
Why the walkthrough: It compresses the whole process into a checklist. The exam tests the concepts — what each step decides, and why. Seeing the flow end-to-end makes those concepts concrete.
Complete Example Session
# ============================================
# PART 1: PREPARE THE ISO
# ============================================
# Download from ubuntu.com
# ubuntu-24.04-desktop-amd64.iso
# Verify checksum
sha256sum ubuntu-24.04-desktop-amd64.iso
# [ e240e4b1... ubuntu-24.04-desktop-amd64.iso ]
# Compare with the official value
# (mismatch → re-download)
# ============================================
# PART 2: WRITE TO USB
# ============================================
# Find the USB device
lsblk
# [ sdb 8:16 1 14.9G 0 disk ]
# [ └─sdb1 8:17 1 14.9G 0 part ]
# Write (be careful with the device name!)
sudo dd if=ubuntu-24.04-desktop-amd64.iso of=/dev/sdb bs=4M status=progress
sync
# ============================================
# PART 3: BOOT FROM USB
# ============================================
# Reboot and enter BIOS/UEFI
# Set USB as boot device
# Choose "Try or Install Ubuntu"
# ============================================
# PART 4: INSTALLER WIZARD
# ============================================
# Language: English
# Keyboard: US
# Updates: Normal + Download + Third-party
# Disk: Erase disk and install Ubuntu
# Time zone: auto-detected
# User: alice / strong-password
# Hostname: my-laptop
# Login: Require password
# Wait for install to complete (10–30 min)
# Click "Restart Now" when prompted
# Remove USB when told
# ============================================
# PART 5: FIRST BOOT
# ============================================
# Log in as alice
# Open a terminal (Ctrl+Alt+T)
# ============================================
# PART 6: POST-INSTALL
# ============================================
# Update
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade -y
# Firewall
sudo ufw enable
sudo ufw status
# Essential tools
sudo apt install -y curl git vim htop
# Verify
uname -r
# [ 6.8.0-45-generic ]
lsb_release -a
# [ Distributor ID: Ubuntu ]
# [ Description: Ubuntu 24.04 LTS ]
# [ Release: 24.04 ]
# [ Codename: noble ]
# ============================================
# PART 7: SERVER INSTALL (SUB-INSTALLER FLOW)
# ============================================
cat << 'EOF'
Ubuntu Server install flow:
1. Language
2. Keyboard
3. Network (DHCP or manual)
4. Proxy (optional)
5. Mirror (package source)
6. Storage (auto / LVM / ZFS / manual)
7. Profile (hostname, user, password)
8. SSH (install OpenSSH server?)
9. Snaps (optional)
10. Install
11. Reboot
EOF
# ============================================
# PART 8: ENCRYPTED INSTALL FLOW
# ============================================
cat << 'EOF'
Enable LUKS during install:
Installation type → "Advanced features..."
[x] Encrypt the new Ubuntu installation
→ Choose a passphrase
→ Install proceeds with LUKS
At boot: passphrase prompt before Ubuntu starts.
Trade-offs:
+ Data protected at rest
- Must enter passphrase at boot
- Recovery impossible if forgotten
- Slight performance overhead
EOFThe session covers a full Ubuntu Desktop install (parts 1–6), a summary of the Server install (part 7), and the encryption flow (part 8).
Why three parts: They represent the three main install scenarios — desktop with GUI, server without GUI, and encrypted install. Each shares the same conceptual flow but differs in the specifics. Knowing all three prepares you for any Ubuntu installation.
Quick Reference
Ubuntu Editions
| Edition | Use case | Size | GUI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ubuntu Desktop | Desktop, laptop | ~5 GB | ✅ |
| Ubuntu Server | Servers, cloud | ~2.5 GB | ❌ |
| Ubuntu Cloud | Cloud images | ~600 MB | ❌ |
| Ubuntu Core | IoT | Varies | ❌ |
Download Sources
| Source | URL |
|---|---|
| Official | ubuntu.com/download |
| Cloud | cloud-images.ubuntu.com |
| Releases archive | releases.ubuntu.com |
LTS vs Regular
| Release type | Cadence | Support |
|---|---|---|
| LTS | Every 2 years | 5 years |
| Regular | Every 6 months | 9 months |
| Current LTS | Ubuntu 24.04 Noble | 2024–2029 |
Boot Keys (Common)
| Vendor | Setup | Boot Menu |
|---|---|---|
| Dell | F2 | F12 |
| HP | F10 / Esc | F9 |
| Lenovo | F1 / F2 | F12 |
| ASUS | Del / F2 | Esc / F8 |
| MSI | Del | F11 |
| Generic | Del | F12 |
Installer Questions (Desktop)
| Step | Options |
|---|---|
| Language | 100+ languages |
| Keyboard | Auto-detect or manual |
| Updates | Normal / Minimal |
| Third-party | Graphics, Wi-Fi, codecs |
| Disk | Erase / Alongside / LVM / ZFS / Manual |
| Encryption | Optional (LUKS) |
| Time zone | Auto-detect or manual |
| User | Name, username, password, auto-login |
| Login | Auto or password |
Installer Questions (Server)
| Step | Options |
|---|---|
| Language | Same |
| Keyboard | Same |
| Network | DHCP or manual |
| Proxy | Optional |
| Mirror | Default or custom |
| Storage | Auto / LVM / ZFS / Manual |
| Profile | Hostname, user, password |
| SSH | Install OpenSSH server? |
| Snaps | Optional pre-installed |
| Install | Starts installation |
Partition Options
| Option | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Erase disk | Wipe and install Ubuntu alone |
| Install alongside | Dual-boot with existing OS |
| Erase disk + LVM | LVM for flexibility |
| Erase disk + ZFS | ZFS for snapshots and integrity |
| Something else | Manual partitioning |
Typical Partition Layout
| Mount | Size | Filesystem |
|---|---|---|
/boot/efi | 512 MB | FAT32 |
/boot | 1 GB | ext4 |
/ | 30 GB | ext4 |
/home | Rest | ext4 |
| swap | 2–8 GB | swap |
Encryption (LUKS)
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tool | LUKS |
| Enabled | During install |
| Passphrase | At boot |
| Protects | Data at rest |
| Overhead | Small |
| Recovery | Impossible if lost |
Post-Install Commands
| Task | Command |
|---|---|
| Update | sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y |
| Firewall | sudo ufw enable |
| Allow SSH | sudo ufw allow OpenSSH |
| Hostname | sudo hostnamectl set-hostname NAME |
| Time zone | sudo timedatectl set-timezone ZONE |
| Install tools | sudo apt install -y curl git vim htop |
| Enable SSH | sudo systemctl enable --now ssh |
| Unattended | sudo apt install unattended-upgrades |
| Add user | sudo adduser alice |
| Grant sudo | sudo usermod -aG sudo alice |
| Verify | uname -r; lsb_release -a |
Common Boot Issues
| Issue | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| USB not booting | Boot order | Set USB first in BIOS |
| Secure Boot blocks | Firmware setting | Disable or use signed bootloader |
| No display | Graphics | Try “safe graphics” mode |
| USB not detected | Port | Try USB 2.0 port |
Common Install Issues
| Issue | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Disk not found | RAID mode | Disable RAID or load drivers |
| Insufficient space | Small disk | Free space or resize |
| No network | Wi-Fi firmware | Use Ethernet or install firmware |
| Wrong keyboard | Layout mismatch | Re-select during install |
| Corrupted install | Bad ISO | Verify checksum, re-download |
Ubuntu Version Check
| Command | Output |
|---|---|
lsb_release -a | Full version info |
cat /etc/os-release | Distro ID and version |
uname -r | Kernel version |
hostnamectl | Hostname, OS, kernel |
Essential Tools
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
curl | HTTP client |
git | Version control |
vim | Text editor |
htop | Process viewer |
ufw | Firewall (pre-installed) |
net-tools | Legacy network tools |
Server vs Desktop
| Aspect | Server | Desktop |
|---|---|---|
| GUI | ❌ | ✅ |
| Size | ~2.5 GB | ~5 GB |
| Default tools | Minimal | Full desktop |
| SSH | Optional during install | Install separately |
| Use case | Servers, cloud | Personal use |
Best Practices
✅ Do This:
# Download from official site
# ubuntu.com/download # ✅
# Verify the checksum
sha256sum ubuntu-24.04-desktop-amd64.iso # ✅
# Back up existing data
# Before any repartitioning # ✅
# Use LTS releases
# Ubuntu 24.04, 22.04, 20.04 # ✅
# Enable LUKS on laptops
# Choose encryption during install # ✅
# Update immediately after install
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y # ✅
# Enable the firewall
sudo ufw enable # ✅
# Create a non-root user with sudo
sudo usermod -aG sudo alice # ✅
# Verify the install
lsb_release -a; uname -r # ✅
# Install unattended-upgrades on servers
sudo apt install unattended-upgrades # ✅
# Remove the USB after install
# Prevents re-booting into the installer # ✅❌ Don’t Do This:
# Don't download from third-party sites
# Use ubuntu.com only # ❌
# Don't skip checksum verification
# Corrupted ISOs cause broken installs # ❌
# Don't install without a backup
# Wiping the disk is irreversible # ❌
# Don't dd to the wrong device
# sudo dd if=... of=/dev/sda # if sda is the disk! # ❌
# Don't ignore Secure Boot warnings
# Some hardware needs it disabled # ⚠️
# Don't skip updates after install
# Security patches are critical # ❌
# Don't leave the firewall off
# Enable before connecting to networks # ❌
# Don't use auto-login on shared machines
# Require password # ❌
# Don't forget the LUKS passphrase
# Recovery is impossible # ❌
# Don't install the server edition on a laptop
# Use Desktop for personal use # ⚠️Common Pitfalls
| Pitfall | Problem | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Bad ISO | Install fails | Verify checksum |
| USB not bootable | Won’t start | Re-write with proper tool |
| Wrong boot device | Boots existing OS | Change BIOS order |
| Secure Boot issue | USB blocked | Disable Secure Boot |
| Wrong keyboard | Wrong characters | Re-select during install |
| Disk wiped by mistake | Data loss | Back up first |
| Forgetting password | Locked out | Use recovery or reinstall |
| Lost LUKS passphrase | Permanent loss | Store it safely |
| No network at install | Can’t fetch packages | Use Ethernet |
| Skipping updates | Vulnerabilities | Update immediately |
Real-World Examples
1. Download Ubuntu Desktop
From ubuntu.com/download/desktop.
2. Download Ubuntu Server
From ubuntu.com/download/server.
3. Verify checksum
sha256sum ubuntu-24.04-desktop-amd64.iso4. Write to USB on Linux
sudo dd if=ubuntu.iso of=/dev/sdb bs=4M status=progress5. Write to USB on Windows
Use Rufus or balenaEtcher — never just copy the ISO.
6. Boot from USB
Restart, enter BIOS, set USB first.
7. Try before install
Choose “Try Ubuntu” to test hardware.
8. Install
Choose “Install Ubuntu” from the desktop.
9. Pick language
Select from the wizard.
10. Pick keyboard
Auto-detect or manual selection.
11. Normal vs minimal
Normal for full desktop; minimal for lean.
12. Third-party software
Enable for graphics, Wi-Fi, codecs.
13. Erase disk
Simplest option — wipes and installs.
14. LVM
For flexible resizing and snapshots.
15. ZFS
For checksums, snapshots, compression.
16. Encryption
Enable LUKS during install.
17. Time zone
Auto-detected from network.
18. User setup
Name, username, password, hostname.
19. First login
Log in as the user created.
20. Post-install
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
sudo ufw enable
sudo apt install -y curl git vim htopVisual: Ubuntu Install Flow
┌──────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Download ISO │
│ │ │
│ ▼ │
│ Verify checksum │
│ │ │
│ ▼ │
│ Write to USB │
│ │ │
│ ▼ │
│ Boot from USB │
│ │ │
│ ▼ │
│ Installer wizard │
│ │ │
│ ▼ │
│ Reboot │
│ │ │
│ ▼ │
│ Post-install configuration │
│ │
└──────────────────────────────────────────────┘Visual: Installer Questions
┌──────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ 1. Language │
│ │
│ 2. Keyboard layout │
│ │
│ 3. Updates + third-party software │
│ │
│ 4. Installation type │
│ ─ Erase disk │
│ ─ Alongside │
│ ─ LVM / ZFS │
│ ─ Manual │
│ │
│ 5. Encryption (optional, LUKS) │
│ │
│ 6. Time zone │
│ │
│ 7. User account │
│ │
│ 8. Install │
│ │
│ 9. Reboot │
│ │
└──────────────────────────────────────────────┘Visual: Disk Layout Options
┌──────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Erase disk — single partition │
│ │
│ ┌────────────────────────────────────┐ │
│ │ / (entire disk) │ │
│ └────────────────────────────────────┘ │
│ │
└──────────────────────────────────────────────┘
┌──────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Erase disk with LVM │
│ │
│ ┌────────────────────────────────────┐ │
│ │ / (lv_root) │ │
│ ├────────────────────────────────────┤ │
│ │ /home (lv_home) │ │
│ ├────────────────────────────────────┤ │
│ │ swap (lv_swap) │ │
│ └────────────────────────────────────┘ │
│ │
└──────────────────────────────────────────────┘
┌──────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Manual layout │
│ │
│ ┌────────────────────────────────────┐ │
│ │ /boot/efi 512 MB FAT32 │ │
│ ├────────────────────────────────────┤ │
│ │ /boot 1 GB ext4 │ │
│ ├────────────────────────────────────┤ │
│ │ / 30 GB ext4 │ │
│ ├────────────────────────────────────┤ │
│ │ /home rest ext4 │ │
│ ├────────────────────────────────────┤ │
│ │ swap 2 GB swap │ │
│ └────────────────────────────────────┘ │
│ │
└──────────────────────────────────────────────┘Visual: Encryption (LUKS)
┌──────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Without LUKS │
│ │
│ Disk ──► partition ──► filesystem │
│ │
│ Stolen disk → data readable │
│ │
└──────────────────────────────────────────────┘
┌──────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ With LUKS │
│ │
│ Disk ──► LUKS ──► partition ──► FS │
│ │ │
│ │ passphrase required │
│ ▼ │
│ Stolen disk → data unreadable │
│ │
└──────────────────────────────────────────────┘Visual: Post-Install Checklist
┌──────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Immediately after first boot: │
│ │
│ [ ] Log in │
│ [ ] Update packages │
│ [ ] Enable firewall │
│ [ ] Install essential tools │
│ [ ] Verify hostname and timezone │
│ [ ] Enable SSH (if server) │
│ [ ] Set up unattended upgrades (servers) │
│ [ ] Create additional users │
│ [ ] Test network and DNS │
│ │
└──────────────────────────────────────────────┘Visual: Server vs Desktop Install
┌──────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Ubuntu Desktop │
│ │
│ ─ GUI installer │
│ ─ Full desktop environment │
│ ─ ~5 GB install │
│ ─ 10–30 min │
│ ─ Auto-login option │
│ ─ Graphics drivers │
│ │
└──────────────────────────────────────────────┘
┌──────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Ubuntu Server │
│ │
│ ─ Text installer (Subiquity) │
│ ─ No GUI │
│ ─ ~2.5 GB install │
│ ─ 5–15 min │
│ ─ SSH during install │
│ ─ Headless-friendly │
│ │
└──────────────────────────────────────────────┘Visual: Common Boot Issues
┌──────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Symptom Cause Fix ││ ─────────────────── ───────────── ───── │
│ USB not shown boot order set │
│ USB won't boot Secure Boot off │
│ Black screen graphics safe │
│ USB not detected USB 2 vs 3 try │
│ Wrong OS boots MBR/EFI match │
│ │
└──────────────────────────────────────────────┘Visual: Post-Install Commands
┌──────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ 1. sudo apt update │
│ 2. sudo apt upgrade -y │
│ 3. sudo ufw enable │
│ 4. sudo ufw allow OpenSSH │
│ 5. sudo apt install -y curl git vim htop │
│ 6. sudo systemctl enable --now ssh │
│ 7. sudo timedatectl set-timezone <zone> │
│ 8. sudo hostnamectl set-hostname <name> │
│ │
└──────────────────────────────────────────────┘Summary
| Concept | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Ubuntu editions | Desktop, Server, Cloud, Core |
| LTS | Long-Term Support — 5 years |
| Checksum | Verify ISO integrity |
| Bootable USB | Written with dd or Rufus |
| Installer | Wizard — Desktop and Server |
| Partitioning | Erase, alongside, LVM, ZFS, manual |
| Encryption | LUKS — enable at install |
| User account | Created during install |
| Post-install | Update, firewall, tools |
| Server vs Desktop | Different installers, different defaults |
Key takeaways:
- Download Ubuntu LTS from the official site —
ubuntu.com - Verify the checksum before installing
- Write the ISO to a USB drive with
ddor Rufus — not by copying - Boot from USB by changing the boot order in BIOS/UEFI
- The Desktop installer is a guided wizard — language, keyboard, updates, disk, user
- The Server installer (Subiquity) is text-based and headless-friendly
- Disk layout choices — erase, alongside, LVM, ZFS, manual
- LUKS encryption protects data at rest — enable during install
- Post-install — update, firewall, tools — takes a few minutes and prevents security gaps
- Server vs Desktop — different installers, different defaults, different use cases
- The concepts apply to any distro — the specifics vary, the shape doesn’t
Remember: Installing Ubuntu is a well-documented, beginner-friendly process. The installer asks the important questions — language, keyboard, disk, user — and does the rest. Understand what each question decides, and you can follow any distro’s installer. Ubuntu LTS is the recommended choice for learning and production. Verify the ISO, back up existing data, and configure the system after install. That’s the whole flow.
ubuntu, installation, lts, post-install
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