Knowledge Base

This article provides information on how to clean install the Ubuntu Linux operating system on your Dell PC.

Table of Contents:

1. Do you need to Install Ubuntu on your Dell PC?
2. Things to know and check before you start an install
3. Setup the Ubuntu Install
4. Install Ubuntu on your System
5. Configuring the Ubuntu install
6. Install complete

1. Do you need to Install Ubuntu on your Dell PC?

If you need to install Ubuntu on your Dell PC there are a few things you will need to decide and have before you proceed with the guide below.

Have you checked your system type is one of those certified by Canonical as being suitable for Ubuntu?

1. If not, then please go to the Canonical site and check if your model has been tested by Canonical and is suitable.

2. If you have and it's supported on this list then carry on.

Have you got a copy of the latest DVD or USB installation media from canonical? These will include the latest updates and fixes for this operating system.

You can download the appropriate Ubuntu ISO from Canonical .

For those who purchased their system from Dell with Ubuntu already installed, there are recovery images on their system and if fitting a new hard drive they can download an installation image by going to the Dell Support site and entering the systems service tag or express service code and selecting Drivers and Downloads.

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2. Things to know and check before you start an install

There are three things you need to take into account before you start off an Ubuntu Install :

1. To Check the type of hard ware you are trying to install to?

2. To Check the type of BIOS settings that would affect your install?

3. To Check what version of Ubuntu you are looking to install?

What type of Hard Ware are you installing to and will it change how you go about your install?

The type or format of your storage media can affect how you would go about installing Ubuntu on your PC. That can be anything from installing on one of the new M2 cards, to installing on a standard SATA hard disk drive, to installing on the same SATA hard disk drives in an Intel Matrix RAID configuration. Check that the hardware of your PC will allow you to make the kind of install you need or read through the articles linked below to get an idea of how to change your installation method to accommodate your system hard ware :

• Installing Ubuntu on Systems using PCIe M2 Card Drives on your Dell PC
• Installing Ubuntu on an Dell OptiPlex PC with RAID
• Installing Ubuntu and Windows as a Dual Boot on your Dell PC

What type of BIOS is setup on your system and will it change how you go about your install?

The difference between Legacy and UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) BIOS setups, can be the difference between an install succeeding or failing. Please check out the linked articles below for further information on the subject :

• Installing Ubuntu on a Dell PC configured for the UEFI BIOS
• Updating the Dell BIOS in Ubuntu Environments

Which version of Ubuntu are you looking to install?

Ubuntu as with any other operating system is constantly looking to improve and better it's usage and performance. What is different with Ubuntu is that you have the option of two updates at any time :

The first is the most recent LTS (Long Term Support) release.

This update is available every two years and is fully supported by Canonical with updates for five years. It's considered a tested and stable build.

The second is the most recent Normal release.

This update is available every 6 months and is only supported by Canonical with updates for 9 Months. These normal releases are considered to be cutting edge but can have issues because of this. These builds are usually used by testers and developers.

If you are looking instead to upgrade to a new version of Ubuntu, then please check out the article linked below :

• Upgrading Ubuntu to the latest version?

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3. Setup the Ubuntu Install

1. Insert the Ubuntu disk into your DVD drive or connect your Bootable USB into a port on the system.

2. Tap rapidly on the F12 key when you see the Dell logo appear during start up. This will take you to the Boot Once menu.

3. You can use the Cursor/Arrow keys to navigate the menu and highlight your selection. It will be either boot from USB or Boot from CD/DVD Drive. Once your Choice is highlighted hit the ENTER key.

4. When the setup boots, choose the Try Ubuntu option. this option will check that your hardware is seen okay by Ubuntu.

5. When you're ready to proceed, click the Install Ubuntu button. The install wizard will appear to prompt you through some choices.

6. Select your install language and click Continue.

7. The Preparing to install Ubuntu window appears. Choose the applicable options and click Continue.

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4. Install Ubuntu on your System

1. If you do not have a wired connection plugged in, the install will take you through setting up a Wireless Wi-Fi connection.

2. The Installation type window appears. Several options are available.

   1. If you want to Dual Boot install Ubuntu alongside other Operating Systems, read the guide linked below before you select the Something Else Option.

      • Installing Ubuntu and Windows as a Dual Boot on your Dell PC

   2. If you want to install Ubuntu over your entire hard drive, click Erase disk and install Ubuntu. Then select the Hard Drive that you want to install Ubuntu onto. Carry on with step 3.

      Notice: As stated this will erase all data and systems that are currently on the disk.

   3. If you want to manually setup various partitioning on the Hard Drive or create a customer install, then go to the guide linked below before you select the Something Else option.

      • Creating multiple custom parititions during an Ubuntu Install

3. Click Install Now. From this point you can't cancel the installation.

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5. Configuring the Ubuntu install

1. You need to setup a few configuration settings. The Where are you? window appears next.

2. Select the location closest to where you are on the map or type it into the text box and click Continue.

3. The Keyboard layout window appears. Select the correct keyboard layout for your system and click Continue.

4. The Who are you? window appears. You want to fill in your information at this point.

5. While the operating system installs, the screen will scroll through different screenshots that gives you further information about the particular Ubuntu revision you are installing on your system.

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6. Install complete

1. When the install wizard finishes, you will see the Installation complete message window pop up. Click Restart Now to restart your computer.

2. Ubuntu is now installed.

3. You can get some initial setup advice on the link below.

   • Configuring Ubuntu on your Dell PC

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Additional Information :

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