Summary. We now offer support for Ubuntu Linux. The Ubuntu Linux Operating System is a free computer operating system being used and promoted world-wide by individuals, organizations, companies, and countries. Ubuntu is an African word meaning ‘Humanity to others’, or ‘I am what I am because of who we all are’. The Ubuntu distribution brings the spirit of Ubuntu to the software world.
Installing Ubuntu. The steps to installing Ubuntu are fairly simple. The process is similar to installing Windows, but easier.
- Download an ISO CD image of the current version from the Ubuntu download page or purchase a CD version. If you download the ISO image, it’s possible to use Roxio Toast or a similar CD burning program to create a CD from that image.
- Backup all of your files prior to installing Ubuntu since the installation will erase your computer. If you are working with a new computer, you may want to create recovery discs and/or backup any software drivers prior to continuing.
- Install the software by starting your computer with the CD in the CD ROM drive. You may need to press a key on the keyboard (F12 for some Dell computers) to start to the CD ROM drive. Follow the instructions presented on screen and accept the default options. When asked about partitioning your computer, you may want to retain a Windows installation, or erase your entire computer and have only Ubuntu. The first option is to maintain multiple partitions, the second is to dedicate the entire drive to Ubuntu. Continue the installation.
- Drivers are needed for most installations of Windows. However, Ubuntu seems to recognize most hardware. For example, on a Dell Latitude D600, the Ubuntu operating system even recognized that the battery in the notebook computer may be part of a recall.
- Updates for the operating system will be identified, the downloaded and installed automatically upon your approval.
Support. In addition to the support we offer, much support for Ubuntu can be obtained through the community support page, and paid support is available through a company called Canonical. Online documentation is also available.