Before we get started…
For the purposes of this article, certain assumptions have been made. I’m assuming you’re installing the Desktop version, and that your requirements are basic. I’m also assuming you know whether you need the 32-bit or 64-bit version (this depends on your hardware, most older hardware is 32-bit, and most newer supports 64-bit). If in doubt, use the 32-bit version.
I am also assuming you’re going to install from a CD drive, and that you know how to burn an ISO file to CD. I’ll try to get an article up on how to do this in the future. in the meantime, there’s a good guide here https://help.ubuntu.com/community/BurningIsoHowto .
Download the appropriate installation ISO file from http://www.ubuntu.com/download/desktop and burn the ISO to CD.
Make sure your machine is set to boot from CD. This is set in the computer’s BIOS, which you can access early in the boot process. How you get into the BIOS differs between manufacturers, but it’s normally by pressing F2 or Delete. You can also just choose where to boot from for a single boot by accessing the boot menu. Again, the method for accessing the boot menu will differ depending on manufacturer, but it’s normally one of F8, F10 or F12. Press the appropriate key during boot, and select the CD drive from the menu that comes up.
The official minimum requirement for RAM memory is 384Mb, so make sure you have more than that, although the more you have the better off you are!
Next page – Installing