Welcome back to our blog series “Linux from 0 to 100”. Now that we’ve covered choosing the right Linux distribution, hardware preparation, and getting ready to install, it’s time to take the plunge and install Linux on your computer. In this post, we’ll walk you step-by-step through the process of installing Ubuntu Linux 22.04, one of the most user-friendly distributions ideal for Linux beginners.
Two important aspects of Linux installation are highlighted: encrypting your hard drive to protect your privacy and the option to install Ubuntu as a secondary operating system alongside Windows. Note, however, that simple disk encryption is not possible if you want to continue to have Windows installed.
Hard disk encryption and installation options
Before we start with the actual installation of Ubuntu Linux, it is important to discuss disk encryption and the options for installing Linux and Windows.
Hard disk encryption
Encryption of the hard drive plays a crucial role in ensuring the security and privacy of your data. One example of the benefits of hard drive encryption is that if your laptop is lost or stolen, unauthorized people cannot access your private data because the data on the encrypted hard drive is protected.
If possible, we recommend encrypting the hard disk. In the step-by-step procedure we point out this option. You will then be prompted to set a security key that must be entered each time you start the notebook. Make sure you keep the security key safe.
Installing Linux and Windows
Do you perhaps still have concerns about being able to do everything with Ubuntu as you did with your old system? It is possible to have Windows and Linux installed on your device in parallel without any problems. You only need enough free disk space for Linux. Note, however, that hard disk encryption is not possible in this case, or only with additional steps. If you are interested, please feel free to ask for more information.
What to do? During the Ubuntu installation process, select the“Install Ubuntu alongside Windows” option. The necessary partitions, i.e. the separate storage sections on the hard disk, are created automatically by Ubuntu. You also have the option to adjust the size of the Linux partition to divide the space according to your needs.
Installing Ubuntu Linux
Now we can start with the actual installation of Ubuntu Linux. Follow these steps:
- Insert the previously created bootable USB stick into your notebook and boot from the stick as described in the last article.
- During the installation you will be asked to make some settings. Here are the most important steps:
- Language: Select German and click on “Install Ubuntu”.
- Keyboard layout: Select German.
- Connect to the WLAN: Select your WLAN from the list and enter the WLAN key.
- After that, you will be asked about the applications you want to install. Select “Normal installation”. You should also choose the option to download updates and install third-party software for graphics and Wi-Fi hardware and additional media formats during the installation.
- When selecting the installation method, choose “Wipe hard disk and install Ubuntu”. To enable hard disk encryption, select the “Advanced hard disk encryption features” option. Also select “Use LVM on the new Ubuntu installation” and “Encrypt the new Ubuntu installation for security…”.
- Select your time zone and then proceed to enter your name, username and password. You have to select the option “Log on automatically” to protect the access when the notebook starts. These settings can be changed later.
- After confirmation, the installation of Ubuntu on your hard drive will begin. Once the installation is complete, the message “Restart now” appears. Before confirming, remove the USB stick to use the newly installed operating system from the hard disk.
Now Ubuntu is successfully installed and can be started for the first time. When you first start, two choices are important to maintain your privacy:
- “Help improve Ubuntu “: select No if you don’t want to get into the details. In any case, you should be aware of what data is transmitted. So read through the description text and weigh up.
- Location services: Disable the function if you do not use it. This is similar to the smartphone. Otherwise, the energy consumption increases on the one hand and your location data can be misused by the browser or other applications on the other hand.
You do not need to activate Ubuntu Livepatch. You should, on the other hand, keep the applications up to date and update them when asked.
Now you can go ahead and set up your new system and browse the Internet with Firefox, for example.
The installation was just the beginning
Congratulations! You have successfully installed Ubuntu Linux on your computer and are ready to explore the world of the open source operating system. With Ubuntu you have a user-friendly and powerful platform that gives you freedom, security and flexibility.
Hard disk encryption protects your personal data from unauthorized access and ensures your privacy. Remember to keep the security key safe.
In upcoming blog posts, we will cover other important topics related to setting up Ubuntu. Learn how to set up email accounts and use other features. In addition, we will look at specific topics such as secure management and document sharing.
Want to dive deeper into the world of Linux? Want to learn more about advanced features, customizations and capabilities? Then follow our blog and on Mastodon! If you want to support us, become a member of edudea e.V. or donate.
Beyond that, we want to hear from you! Do you have topics you’d like to see covered in future blog posts? Let us know what questions you have and what challenges you overcome when using Linux. Leave us your ideas and suggestions in the comments or contact us through our website or social media channels.
We look forward to joining you on your Linux journey!
