Part 4: Installing The OS

So you have bought the parts, built it and set up the BIOS. Know you are on to the fun part, installing the operating system. Since this article is obviously about building a Linux based system, I was torn between what Linux distribution to use to install on your new computer. After some personal deliberation, I chose Ubuntu Linux for the task.

Why Ubuntu?

There are a few reasons I chose Ubuntu for this article:

• It is beginner friendly
• It can easily act as a Live CD
• It has a GUI installer
• It is a highly popular distribution
• Ubuntu has many variants (Kubuntu, Xbuntu, etc...)

If this is your first time building a computer and/or using Linux, I didn't want you to be overwhelmed at installing a Linux distribution that requires substantial knowledge of the operating system to begin with. I want you (my awesome readers) to feel comfortable in doing this.

The live CD part is useful as a testing bed before we actually go through with the hard drive installation. A live CD allows you to run the operating system without installing it. You can see if you like the system or if you come across any error messages.

NOTE: Using Ubuntu as a live CD does not test the hard drive(s) in a system.

A graphic installer makes it easier for myself as well as you the reader to follow my instructions. I am sure you would dread a laundry list of commands you would have to type in order to install Linux to your hard drive.

Ubuntu is a highly popular Linux distribution. It often ranks #1 on distowatch.com (a distribution tracking website). I see no reason to use an unpopular distro of Linux as you may need help in using it further down the road. Using Ubuntu ensures you have a community to fall back on for your support needs.

Ubuntu has many official variants. Ubuntu uses the GNOME desktop environment by default but you may prefer KDE. In that case you could use Ubuntu's KDE version called Kubuntu.

NOTE: You can still install KDE on Ubuntu. All Kubuntu provides is a KDE-specific system without GNOME installed.

If you are new to Linux, don't spend so much time on understanding the different variants of Ubuntu. Try Ubuntu before you change your mind. The great thing with Linux is you have multiple choices.

You can download Ubuntu here.  I am using version 8.10 Intrepid Ibex since it is the latest version.

Getting Started

At this time, you should place your CD or DVD copy of Ubuntu into the tray and close it. Make sure you followed the boot order advice in Part 4 of Building A Linux Computer. Reboot the system.

You will notice the computer is booting from the CD/DVD drive.

You should be greeted with a Ubuntu title screen after you press 'Enter' to select your language.

Live CD

If you want to test the system without installing it to the hard drive you can select the "Try Ubuntu without any change to your computer". Ubuntu will load from the CD/DVD without any changes to your computer.

Installing Ubuntu

Select the "Install Ubuntu" option to get the ball rolling forward. Ubuntu will continue to load, just give it a minute or two to load everything up. Once everything is loaded, you will see a welcome screen. Verify your language is correctly selected on the left hand side then press "Forward"

Where Are You?

The next screen asks you to select the date and time to use for the operating system. If you set your date and time correctly in the BIOS, these values should be correct. If not set the correct date, time and timezone, then press "Forward".

Keyboard Layout

The next screen asks you for the correct keyboard layout. If you are using a standard U.S keyboard, selecting USA and USA on both sides should be adequate. Once you select your correct settings, press "Forward" again.

Disk Partitioning

This step can either be extremely easy or challenging. Since we are building a new system from scratch, I will make the assumption that your hard drive is new and has nothing of importance on it. So in this step we are going to use the entire hard drive. Just make sure the radio button has "Guided - use entire disk" selected. If you have multiple hard drives, you will need to select one of them to install Ubuntu. Luckily, the installer tells you the hard drive(s) size. Select the one you want than press "Forward". The installer will now create one partition to store Ubuntu on.

NOTE: Using this method limits your use of storing data on multiple partitions on the same hard drive. If you are more knowledgeable about Linux, you can always use the "Manual" method.

Who Are You?

Tell the system a little bit about yourself. Most of this information is rather obvious and you shouldn't need any help from me to put it in correctly. The only option may be the computer's name. Some common names people use for their computer are: localhost, desktop, laptop, mycomputer, your name, etc.. Mine is set to "desktop". It is best to use all lowercase, since Linux is case-sensitive.

I would advise not to select the "log in automatically" setting. If you are security conscious or you plan on having multiple people use this computer, this will log in everyone as you.

Ready To Install

The next screen is just a review of what is going to happen. It gives you most of the information you have entered so far as well as what partitions will be created.

NOTE: Any data on your hard drive will be deleted after you press "Install". If you have anything of value left on it, it would be wise to make a backup of it.

Once you are satisfied with the information provided, press the "Install" button and sit back while your copy of Ubuntu is installed. The time can vary from a few minutes to an hour, be patient!

Installation Complete

Once the installation is complete, you will need to reboot the system and remove the CD from the drive.

First Boot

Once you have booted Ubuntu for the first time, you will be presented with a log in screen. Type in your user name and password that you have set during the installation.

Voila! If everything went smoothly, you should be staring at the Ubuntu desktop.

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