In this guide, we will describe the process we followed to install Linux (as the only operating system) on the office computer.
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We selected the GNU/Linux distribution to use. In our case, we chose Ubuntu due to its simplicity and versatility, making it a suitable distribution for taking your first steps with Linux.
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We downloaded the ISO file of the chosen distribution. In our case, we did it from the Ubuntu download page, selecting version 24.04.1 LTS.
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We downloaded the application to create the bootable USB. In our case, it was balenaEtcher, which we obtained from its official page.
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We prepared the bootable USB. To do this, we connected the USB, opened balenaEtcher, selected the ISO file in the Flash from file option and the corresponding USB in the Select target option (remember that this procedure will erase the USB’s content) and selected Flash! This procedure may take a few minutes.
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We accessed the BIOS to modify the boot options. To do this, we disconnected the USB, reconnected it, and restarted the computer. On the boot screen, we were indicated which button (which may vary depending on the computer, in our case it was F11) to press to enter the Boot Menu. This boot menu allows you to start the computer directly from the hard drive, where you have your conventional operating system, or from any other external unit. We modified the boot options so that the USB is the first, i.e., the priority, and exited the BIOS.
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In the menu that appears, we selected Try or Install Ubuntu. In the following menu, we configured the language and chose the Install Ubuntu option. Subsequently, we were asked to configure the keyboard layout and wireless network (WiFi) connection. In the following step, we selected the most suitable options for our context, although it is recommended to mark the options:
- Normal installation
- Download updates while installing Ubuntu
- Install third-party software for graphics and WiFi hardware and additional multimedia formats
In the following menu, which is the most important for the type of installation we are doing, we selected Erase disk and install Ubuntu. In the subsequent steps, we were asked to configure the disk partitions and system users, thus completing the installation process.