Before Getting Started

Before installing Ubuntu GNOME, you need to do a very important step:

More Information

• On Windows, back up your personal files AND create a system recovery disc. If you don't create a system recovery disc, you could lose your Windows OS forever. Don't let that happen to you. Windows isn't open-source like Ubuntu, so you could end up having to buy another copy if you don't properly back yours up.

• Ubuntu One provides 5GB of online storage for free, and since it's from Ubuntu, there are no strings attached. Once you get UbuntuGNOME installed, this service will make it easy to maintain solid backups or identical file systems on several systems through automatic backup.

• If you're having trouble burning your ISO to a DVD, there exists a free and open source software to accomplish this. It is InfraRecorder, and it can be used to accomplish all that needs to be to get Ubuntu GNOME onto a bootable medium. For a more in depth look at how to use a Live CD to install, go here.

Download

Once your personal files have been backed up, you can confidently move forward with download and then install.

Install

BIOS

The first action you'll want to take is to enter into your BIOS. If you've never done this before, it can be achieved by pushing F2 Key or DEL Key or F10 Key while your computer is turning on. This may take a few tries, but one of the two buttons will work.

Once you're in the BIOS, poke around a bit using the arrow keys to navigate, and the enter key to "click". Spend a little time looking around and search for things you don't understand.

The real thing you're looking for is the Boot Order. Before the install, you will need to change this so that your CD drive or USB drive is the first device to boot from.

Creating Installation Media

There are several ways to install Ubuntu GNOME, and each has its advantages. USB is faster than DVD. Either way should work provided your system supports booting from a USB drive if you follow these directions exactly. If either of these methods doesn't work, Please Contact Us!.

You need to create or borrow an Ubuntu GNOME DVD or USB-stick. Once you have an Ubuntu DVD or USB it should work as an installer and as a LiveDVD or LiveUSB.

Creating a LiveDVD

Prerequisites for installation with a LiveDVD are:

• A blank DVD-R or DVD-RW Note: you cannot use a CD, because they are not big enough.

• A computer that supports booting from a DVD. Most do, unless they don't have a DVD drive.

Once you have burned the disc and changed your boot order (as described in BIOS), just put the disc in your drive, and reboot. Follow the guide of your choice from Final Install to complete the installation.

To create a LiveUsb

Prerequisites for installation with a LiveUSB are:

• A computer that supports booting from a USB (Check your bios).
• A USB drive of 2GB or more.

• Your preferred Download of Ubuntu GNOME.

Once you have created the LiveUSB and changed your boot order (as described in BIOS), just put the disc in your drive, and reboot. Follow the guide of your choice from Final Install to complete the installation.

For more information, please have a read at: Installing from USB.

Final Install

Basic or Auto Installation

This could be the easiest and shortest installation type. However, you should note that this will wipe any other system installed on the machine you are installing Ubuntu GNOME on.

Side by Side

This is the ideal type of install for the user who wants to be able to switch between Ubuntu GNOME and their existing OS at startup.

Manual Installation

This is the most customizable, but most difficult way to install. This is only for veteran users who have done a few installations already.

Accessibility Options

To install with accessibility options enabled, press F5 after you select your language and pick the options that you require. To use the speech installer, press CTRL + S after the disc has loaded. This will also enable GNOME screen reader on the installed system. Once your system is installed, the accessibility features can be re-enabled via the System Settings, in case you disable them by mistake.

For more information, see Accessibility

After Install

Refer to our HowTo section for ideas about what to do next.