- 1 1. What is Ubuntu? An Easy-to-Use Open-Source OS for Beginners
- 2 2. What to Prepare Before Downloading Ubuntu
- 3 3. How to Download Ubuntu
- 4 4. Creating an Installation Media
- 5 5. How to Install Ubuntu
- 6 3. How to Download Ubuntu
- 7 4. Creating an Installation Media
- 8 5. How to Install Ubuntu
- 9 6. Troubleshooting Common Issues
- 10 7. Conclusion
1. What is Ubuntu? An Easy-to-Use Open-Source OS for Beginners
Ubuntu is one of the most popular Linux distributions used worldwide. As an alternative to Windows and Mac, Ubuntu is widely adopted not only for personal use but also by businesses and educational institutions. It is free and open-source, allowing users to customize it freely. With support for users ranging from beginners to advanced professionals, Ubuntu is especially popular in Japan due to the availability of a dedicated Japanese-language version, “Ubuntu Japanese Remix.”
3 Key Reasons Why Ubuntu is Popular
Compared to other operating systems, Ubuntu has several outstanding features. Here are three major reasons why users choose Ubuntu:
- Free to Use with High Cost-Performance
Since Ubuntu is open-source, it is available for free for both personal and commercial use. It can be easily downloaded and installed from the official website. This makes it an ideal choice for research, education, and businesses looking to reduce costs while maintaining a practical computing environment. - High Stability and Security
Ubuntu provides Long-Term Support (LTS) versions for enterprises, ensuring five years of support with regular security updates. This reliability makes it a trusted choice for server environments in businesses where risk management is a priority. - Comprehensive Language Support and Community Help
The Japanese Remix version comes with pre-installed Japanese input software “Mozc” and extensive support for Japanese text display. Additionally, there are numerous online communities, forums, and Q&A sites where users can find support and troubleshooting tips. The Ubuntu Japanese Team provides valuable resources, making Ubuntu a comfortable choice for Japanese users.
Ubuntu Versions and Their Use Cases
Ubuntu offers different versions tailored for various needs, ranging from personal computers to enterprise servers. Here are the three main versions:
- Desktop Edition: Designed for general computer use, including home, office, and development environments. It features a user-friendly graphical interface (GUI) similar to Windows and Mac, making navigation intuitive. It also comes with essential software like a web browser, office suite, and multimedia player, allowing users to start using it immediately.
- Server Edition: Optimized for businesses, educational institutions, and data centers. The server version is designed to be operated primarily via the command line, making it suitable for advanced networking and data management. By using the LTS version, businesses can ensure long-term stability and security updates.
- Japanese Remix Edition: A version specifically optimized for Japanese users, developed by the Ubuntu Japanese Remix Team. It offers enhanced support for Japanese input and display, making it an excellent choice for those using Linux for the first time in a Japanese-language environment. It can be downloaded from domestic mirror sites, ensuring stable connections for obtaining installation files.
With these diverse versions, Ubuntu can be tailored to fit various user needs—whether for home use, business operations, or software development. Selecting the appropriate version ensures users can fully utilize Ubuntu’s powerful features.
2. What to Prepare Before Downloading Ubuntu
To ensure a smooth installation process, it is important to check the system requirements and choose the appropriate version beforehand. This section explains the recommended hardware specifications and the characteristics of each Ubuntu version to help users make the best choice for their needs.
System Requirements
Although Ubuntu is known for being a lightweight Linux OS, it still requires a certain level of hardware specifications to run smoothly. Here are the commonly recommended system requirements for each version:
- CPU: 64-bit processor (Intel or AMD)
- Memory: Minimum 2GB (4GB or more recommended)
- Storage: At least 25GB of free space (50GB or more recommended)
- Graphics Card: Supports a resolution of 1024×768
- Network Connection: Internet connection required for updates and software installation
A memory capacity of 4GB or more is recommended for better performance. If your system does not meet these requirements, consider using lightweight Ubuntu alternatives like “Xubuntu” or “Lubuntu.” For detailed specifications and compatibility, visit the official Ubuntu system requirements page.
How to Check Your System Specs
To verify whether your PC meets Ubuntu’s requirements, follow these methods:
- For Windows Users: Go to “Start Menu” → “Settings” → “System” → “About” to check your processor, memory, and system type (32-bit or 64-bit).
- For Mac Users: Click the Apple menu → “About This Mac” to check CPU, memory, and OS version details.
Differences Between Ubuntu Versions
Ubuntu offers multiple versions, each with different support periods and features. Choosing the right version based on your use case ensures a better experience.
LTS (Long-Term Support) Version
The LTS version provides five years of long-term support, making it ideal for business and educational institutions that prioritize stability. With fewer major updates required after installation, it offers enhanced security and reliability. As of 2024, the latest LTS version is “Ubuntu 22.04 LTS.”
Regular Release Version
This version is intended for users who want access to the latest features and technologies. Released every six months, it has a shorter support period of about nine months. This version is best suited for developers and tech enthusiasts who prefer cutting-edge updates.
Japanese Remix Version
The Japanese Remix version enhances support for the Japanese language, making it a convenient option for Japanese-speaking users. It comes with pre-configured Japanese input (Mozc) and display settings. This version can be downloaded from domestic mirror sites such as Toyama University or KDDI Research Institute, ensuring stable access to installation files.
By preparing ahead, you can ensure a smooth installation process. In the next section, we will explain the step-by-step procedure for downloading Ubuntu.
3. How to Download Ubuntu
You can download Ubuntu smoothly by using the official website or a mirror site available in your country. This section provides a detailed guide on how to download Ubuntu from the official site, as well as how to get the Japanese Remix version, which offers enhanced support for Japanese users.
Official Download Site
The latest versions of Ubuntu, including Long-Term Support (LTS) editions, are available for direct download from the official website. Downloading from the official site ensures that you get a secure and up-to-date installation file.
- Visit the Official Website
Go to the Ubuntu official download page. Here, you will find different versions of Ubuntu, including desktop, server, and cloud editions. - Select the Version
Choose the appropriate version based on your needs. If you are using it for home or office work, select “Desktop.” If you need a stable long-term support version, choose “Ubuntu 22.04 LTS.” If you want the latest features, you can opt for the regular release version. - Download the ISO File
Once you have selected the version, click “Download” to save the Ubuntu installation image (ISO file) to your PC. The ISO file is usually over 1GB, so a stable internet connection is recommended.
Downloading the Japanese Remix Version
The Japanese Remix version, optimized for Japanese users, is provided by the Ubuntu Japanese Team. It includes pre-configured settings for Japanese language support and input. The installation files can be downloaded from domestic mirror sites, ensuring a stable connection.
- Visit the Ubuntu Japanese Team Website
Go to the Ubuntu Japanese Team’s download page and check the details of the Japanese Remix version. - Select a Mirror Site
The download page lists various mirror sites in Japan, such as Toyama University, the Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, and KDDI Research Institute. Choose a mirror site that best suits your location and internet environment. - Save the ISO File
Click the mirror site link to download the ISO file. The Japanese Remix version includes “ja” in its file name, making it easy to distinguish from the standard version. This version is highly recommended for users who prefer a pre-configured Japanese environment.
Now that you have downloaded the ISO file, the next step is to create an installation media. This process will be covered in the following section.
4. Creating an Installation Media
To install Ubuntu, you need to write the downloaded ISO file onto a USB drive or DVD and use it as installation media. Using a USB drive is generally recommended as it is easier to handle and works on most systems. This section explains how to create a bootable USB drive using two popular tools: “Rufus” and “Universal-USB-Installer.”
Preparing the USB Installation Media
You must write the ISO file in a bootable format onto the USB drive. Below are the steps for creating an installation media using “Rufus” and “Universal-USB-Installer” on Windows.
Creating a Bootable USB Drive with Rufus
“Rufus” is a lightweight and user-friendly tool that allows you to easily write Ubuntu ISO files to a USB drive. Follow these steps:
- Download and Install Rufus
Visit the Rufus official website, download the latest version, and install it. A portable version is also available, allowing you to use it without installation. - Insert Your USB Drive
Connect the USB drive to your PC. Make sure to back up any important data, as Rufus will erase all data on the drive. - Launch Rufus and Configure Settings
Open Rufus and configure the following settings:- Device: Select the inserted USB drive.
- Boot selection: Choose “Disk or ISO image” and select the downloaded Ubuntu ISO file.
- Partition scheme: If you are using a modern PC, select “GPT”; for older PCs, select “MBR.”
- Click “Start” to begin writing the ISO file, and wait a few minutes for the process to complete.
Creating a Bootable USB Drive with Universal-USB-Installer
“Universal-USB-Installer” is another widely used tool for creating Linux bootable USB drives. Here’s how to use it:
- Download Universal-USB-Installer
Go to the Universal-USB-Installer official website and download the latest installer. - Select the USB Drive
Run Universal-USB-Installer and choose the USB drive you want to use. - Select the OS and ISO File
From the dropdown menu, select “Ubuntu” and then choose the downloaded ISO file. You can also allocate storage space for saving files while using the bootable USB. - Start the Installation
Click “Create” to start writing the ISO file onto the USB drive. The process takes a few minutes, and once completed, click “Done” to finish.
Verifying the Bootable USB Drive
To ensure the USB drive is bootable, insert it into your PC and restart. Enter the BIOS/UEFI settings and set the USB drive as the primary boot device. If the installation media works correctly, your PC should boot from the USB drive and display the Ubuntu installation screen.
Now that your installation media is ready, you can proceed with installing Ubuntu. The next section will guide you through the installation process.
5. How to Install Ubuntu
Once your installation media is ready, you can proceed with installing Ubuntu. This section explains how to change BIOS settings to boot from USB, followed by a step-by-step guide for the installation process.
Configuring BIOS Settings
To install Ubuntu, you need to configure your PC to boot from the USB drive. BIOS access and settings may vary by manufacturer, but the general steps are as follows:
- Access BIOS
Turn on your PC and press the designated key (e.g., F2, Del, Esc) repeatedly to enter the BIOS settings. The key varies by manufacturer, so check your PC’s manual if needed. - Change Boot Order
Navigate to the “Boot” tab and set the USB drive as the first boot device. This ensures that your PC will boot from the installation media. - Disable Secure Boot (If Necessary)
Some PCs have “Secure Boot” enabled, which may prevent Ubuntu from installing. If needed, disable Secure Boot from the “Security” tab in BIOS settings.
Now your PC is ready to install Ubuntu! In the next section, we will go through the installation process step by step.
3. How to Download Ubuntu
You can download Ubuntu smoothly by using the official website or a mirror site available in your country. This section provides a detailed guide on how to download Ubuntu from the official site, as well as how to get the Japanese Remix version, which offers enhanced support for Japanese users.
Official Download Site
The latest versions of Ubuntu, including Long-Term Support (LTS) editions, are available for direct download from the official website. Downloading from the official site ensures that you get a secure and up-to-date installation file.
- Visit the Official Website
Go to the Ubuntu official download page. Here, you will find different versions of Ubuntu, including desktop, server, and cloud editions. - Select the Version
Choose the appropriate version based on your needs. If you are using it for home or office work, select “Desktop.” If you need a stable long-term support version, choose “Ubuntu 22.04 LTS.” If you want the latest features, you can opt for the regular release version. - Download the ISO File
Once you have selected the version, click “Download” to save the Ubuntu installation image (ISO file) to your PC. The ISO file is usually over 1GB, so a stable internet connection is recommended.
Downloading the Japanese Remix Version
The Japanese Remix version, optimized for Japanese users, is provided by the Ubuntu Japanese Team. It includes pre-configured settings for Japanese language support and input. The installation files can be downloaded from domestic mirror sites, ensuring a stable connection.
- Visit the Ubuntu Japanese Team Website
Go to the Ubuntu Japanese Team’s download page and check the details of the Japanese Remix version. - Select a Mirror Site
The download page lists various mirror sites in Japan, such as Toyama University, the Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, and KDDI Research Institute. Choose a mirror site that best suits your location and internet environment. - Save the ISO File
Click the mirror site link to download the ISO file. The Japanese Remix version includes “ja” in its file name, making it easy to distinguish from the standard version. This version is highly recommended for users who prefer a pre-configured Japanese environment.
Now that you have downloaded the ISO file, the next step is to create an installation media. This process will be covered in the following section.
4. Creating an Installation Media
To install Ubuntu, you need to write the downloaded ISO file onto a USB drive or DVD and use it as installation media. Using a USB drive is generally recommended as it is easier to handle and works on most systems. This section explains how to create a bootable USB drive using two popular tools: “Rufus” and “Universal-USB-Installer.”
Preparing the USB Installation Media
You must write the ISO file in a bootable format onto the USB drive. Below are the steps for creating an installation media using “Rufus” and “Universal-USB-Installer” on Windows.
Creating a Bootable USB Drive with Rufus
“Rufus” is a lightweight and user-friendly tool that allows you to easily write Ubuntu ISO files to a USB drive. Follow these steps:
- Download and Install Rufus
Visit the Rufus official website, download the latest version, and install it. A portable version is also available, allowing you to use it without installation. - Insert Your USB Drive
Connect the USB drive to your PC. Make sure to back up any important data, as Rufus will erase all data on the drive. - Launch Rufus and Configure Settings
Open Rufus and configure the following settings:- Device: Select the inserted USB drive.
- Boot selection: Choose “Disk or ISO image” and select the downloaded Ubuntu ISO file.
- Partition scheme: If you are using a modern PC, select “GPT”; for older PCs, select “MBR.”
- Click “Start” to begin writing the ISO file, and wait a few minutes for the process to complete.
Creating a Bootable USB Drive with Universal-USB-Installer
“Universal-USB-Installer” is another widely used tool for creating Linux bootable USB drives. Here’s how to use it:
- Download Universal-USB-Installer
Go to the Universal-USB-Installer official website and download the latest installer. - Select the USB Drive
Run Universal-USB-Installer and choose the USB drive you want to use. - Select the OS and ISO File
From the dropdown menu, select “Ubuntu” and then choose the downloaded ISO file. You can also allocate storage space for saving files while using the bootable USB. - Start the Installation
Click “Create” to start writing the ISO file onto the USB drive. The process takes a few minutes, and once completed, click “Done” to finish.
Verifying the Bootable USB Drive
To ensure the USB drive is bootable, insert it into your PC and restart. Enter the BIOS/UEFI settings and set the USB drive as the primary boot device. If the installation media works correctly, your PC should boot from the USB drive and display the Ubuntu installation screen.
Now that your installation media is ready, you can proceed with installing Ubuntu. The next section will guide you through the installation process.
5. How to Install Ubuntu
Once your installation media is ready, you can proceed with installing Ubuntu. This section explains how to change BIOS settings to boot from USB, followed by a step-by-step guide for the installation process.
Configuring BIOS Settings
To install Ubuntu, you need to configure your PC to boot from the USB drive. BIOS access and settings may vary by manufacturer, but the general steps are as follows:
- Access BIOS
Turn on your PC and press the designated key (e.g., F2, Del, Esc) repeatedly to enter the BIOS settings. The key varies by manufacturer, so check your PC’s manual if needed. - Change Boot Order
Navigate to the “Boot” tab and set the USB drive as the first boot device. This ensures that your PC will boot from the installation media. - Disable Secure Boot (If Necessary)
Some PCs have “Secure Boot” enabled, which may prevent Ubuntu from installing. If needed, disable Secure Boot from the “Security” tab in BIOS settings.
Now your PC is ready to install Ubuntu! In the next section, we will go through the installation process step by step.
Step-by-Step Ubuntu Installation
Once the BIOS settings are configured, your PC will boot from the USB installation media, and the Ubuntu installation screen will appear. Follow these steps to complete the installation:
- Select Your Language
Choose your preferred language. If you need a Japanese environment, select “日本語 (Japanese)” and click “Install Ubuntu” to begin the installation. - Choose Installation Type
Select the type of installation. The recommended option is “Normal Installation,” which includes essential drivers and multimedia codecs for a smooth user experience. You may also check the box for “Install updates and third-party software” to ensure necessary components are installed during setup. - Select Installation Disk
Choose where to install Ubuntu. If you want a fresh installation, select “Erase disk and install Ubuntu.” If you want to keep another OS installed alongside Ubuntu, select “Something else” and manually configure partitions. If choosing the latter, make sure to back up important data before proceeding. - Set Your Time Zone
Select your location to configure the correct time zone. If your system is connected to the internet, the location will be detected automatically. - Create User Account
Set up your username and password. The password will be required for logging in and performing administrative tasks, so choose a secure and memorable one. - Start the Installation
Click “Install Now” to begin the installation process. This step may take several minutes to complete. Once finished, Ubuntu will prompt you to restart your PC. Remove the USB drive before clicking “Restart Now.”
Initial Setup After Installation
After restarting, you will be greeted by the Ubuntu login screen. Log in using the credentials you set up during installation. The next steps include:
- Checking Japanese Input: If using the Japanese Remix version, confirm that the Japanese input method (Mozc) is working correctly.
- Updating the System: Run the first system update to ensure all software is up to date. Open the terminal and enter:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade - Installing Additional Software: Install any necessary software, such as LibreOffice, GIMP, or development tools, depending on your needs.
6. Troubleshooting Common Issues
Ubuntu installation is generally straightforward, but some users may encounter issues depending on their system configuration. This section provides solutions to common installation and setup problems.
Common Installation Errors and Fixes
“No Bootable Device Found” Error
If your PC cannot detect the installation media, check the following:
- Solution: Go back to the BIOS settings and verify that the USB drive is set as the first boot device. If your PC is older, enable “Legacy Boot” mode.
Freezing or Slow Installation
If the installation process is slow or freezes, it may be due to insufficient system resources.
- Solution: Ensure your PC has at least 2GB of RAM (4GB recommended). If performance issues persist, try a lightweight version such as Xubuntu or Lubuntu.
Snap Store Issues
After installation, the Snap Store (Ubuntu Software) may not open properly due to an incomplete update.
- Solution: Open a terminal and run:
sudo snap refresh sudo pkill snap-store sudo snap refresh snap-storeRestart the Snap Store and check if the issue is resolved.
Fixing Japanese Input Issues
If Japanese input is not working correctly, follow these steps:
- Solution: Open “Settings” → “Region & Language” and check the input sources. If Japanese input (Mozc) is not listed, add it manually.
Updating Issues
If an error occurs when updating Ubuntu, the package manager may need to be refreshed.
- Solution: Run the following commands in the terminal:
sudo apt update sudo apt upgradeIf the update server is slow, switch to a different mirror from “Software & Updates.”
7. Conclusion
Ubuntu is a powerful, stable, and customizable open-source operating system suitable for both beginners and advanced users. This guide covered everything from downloading Ubuntu to installation, troubleshooting, and post-installation setup. Below are key takeaways for making the most of Ubuntu:
Advantages of Ubuntu
Ubuntu is free and offers a long-term support (LTS) version with five years of security updates, making it a cost-effective and reliable OS. The Japanese Remix version further enhances the user experience for Japanese-speaking users. Additionally, the open-source nature of Ubuntu allows users to install and modify software freely to suit their needs.
Key Installation Tips
To ensure a smooth installation:
- Check your system requirements before downloading.
- Use a USB installation media and configure BIOS settings correctly.
- Follow troubleshooting steps if issues arise.
- After installation, set up Japanese input and run system updates.
Getting the Most Out of Ubuntu
With Ubuntu, users can experience a flexible and efficient computing environment different from Windows or macOS. The OS supports a wide range of open-source applications, such as LibreOffice for office work and GIMP for image editing. Additionally, developers can easily set up programming environments for languages like Python and JavaScript. Regular security updates make Ubuntu a safe and long-term choice for personal and professional use.
By utilizing Ubuntu effectively, you can improve your daily computing experience. The extensive online community and support forums make it easy to find help when needed, ensuring a smooth experience even after installation.
