Q&A for How to Install Ubuntu Linux

Return to Full Article

Coming soon

Add New Question

Question

Can I use Ubuntu if I'm not tech savvy?

Community Answer

Yes. Ubuntu is intended to be used by anyone.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 24
Question

Will I still be able to view .pdf files with Ubuntu?

Joseph Coscia

Community Answer

Yes. Ubuntu comes with a PDF reader called Evince.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 5 Helpful 24
Question

Is it possible to burn on a pen drive?

Community Answer

Yes! Try UNetbootin or Rufus to create a live USB.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 18
Question

If I install Ubuntu, will there be any changes to my Windows files?

Community Answer

If you install Ubuntu alongside your Windows there will be no change in your Windows files.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 4 Helpful 16
Question

Can I hack websites from Ubuntu?

Living Concrete

Top Answerer

Yes. You can hack from any operating system.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 26 Helpful 48
Question

How can I run Ubuntu on a virtual machine?

Scott Woolard

Community Answer

Download the ISO image as in the first part. Then, download and run a VM program (I prefer VirtualBox or VMWare; both are free) and follow the instructions given to create the virtual machine. Typically, you will manually select the operating system you are installing as a VM, select the correct ISO, allocate the size of the VM, and then install as normal.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 4 Helpful 16
Question

Can I use a USB drive instead of a CD/DVD?

Community Answer

Yes, absolutely! Many people, myself included, prefer using this technique.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 6
Question

Can Ubuntu be used on a mobile device?

Scott Woolard

Community Answer

Canonical has developed a tablet that runs a version of Ubuntu, but sadly you cannot install Ubuntu on your typical mobile device. It was not developed for mobile platforms.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 2 Helpful 8
Question

Can I change the desktop environment if I don't like what I selected after trying it?

Community Answer

Yes, just uninstall your previous version of Linux. If you do it all again, you can select a different version of Linux.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 16 Helpful 22
Question

Can I install it on an iPhone?

Joseph Coscia

Community Answer

No, Ubuntu is not available for iPhone.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 18 Helpful 24
Question

Can I switch between Windows and Ubuntu if I install both?

Community Answer

Yes, you can switch between both operating systems.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 2
Question

Can Ubuntu be safe for net banking?

Community Answer

I think it is safer than Windows, as most high run server systems are Linux based.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 2
Question

Can Ubuntu be installed without burning it to a USB or disc?

Community Answer

It is possible using LAN, if you have any Server than you are able to install.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 2
Question

Can I install Ubuntu on a Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge?

Living Concrete

Top Answerer

No. Ubuntu is intended for desktop machines and laptops only. It does not work on mobile platforms.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 17 Helpful 18
Question

What should I use to burn Ubuntu?

Chetan Dhongade

Community Answer

If you are on the Windows operating system, use Rufus software and any 4-8 GB USB drive. If you are on Mac or Linux operating systems, use Etcher software.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
Question

Can I have Ubuntu and keep the Windows original OS with it so I can use both?

Pingu

Top Answerer

Yes, this is possible and quite common. It is called dual-booting and there are many instructions available both on this site and on other parts of the internet. Search for "dual boot Windows and Ubuntu".

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

Can I install Linux even if my computer only boots to safe mode?

Somone

Community Answer

Yes. Safe mode is a Windows feature that usually means there is an issue with Windows. However, If your computer is old, consider getting a new one, as old hardware may be beginning to fail.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

Is Ubuntu the best for programming?

Somone

Community Answer

It all depends on user preference. Ubuntu in itself is not a code-compiling application, but it Does have some downloadable software that can be used to create programs, and you can also learn the various code used to make the Operating System work.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

How would I do a dual boot of Ubuntu and Windows 10 with Windows on a HDD and Linux on an SSD?

Somone

Community Answer

This is not a dual boot, You simply install Windows 10 on the hard drive, and when you install Ubuntu, choose the "something else" option in the installation type menu and select your SSD.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

Will Ubuntu Linux work if I have less than the recommended computer specs?

Community Answer

Yes; the recommended specs are for ideal operation. However, your computer must at least have the minimum computer specs.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

How do I uninstall Ubuntu from my computer?

Community Answer

You might need another computer running Windows. If you have Windows, search for Windows 10 installation media and click on the Microsoft one. Then download the media, make the ISO, burn it to DVD or USB and the shut Ubuntu down. Than press whatever button you use to enter bios (a quick google search won’t hurt). Then run it from the DVD or USB. If you need help on the installation window, WikiHow can help you with that.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

Can I install Ubuntu on my PS3?

Nithik R

Community Answer

A PS3 and a computer have different processor architectures and different hardware structures. Ubuntu is made for computers. So, no, you can't do it.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

How do I switch back to Windows 7 if I need to access it?

Nithik R

Community Answer

You can only switch back to Windows if you choose the "Install alongside another OS" option.If you choose the default option, it will erase all data on the PC (including Windows).

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

If installed on a Windows PC, does this mean you can change from you Ubuntu OS to your Windows OS at any time you want?

Nithik R

Community Answer

If you have dual booted, yes you can. You can change from one OS to the other by restarting your pc. During boot, a menu will be shown with the operating systems you have. Use the arrow keys to navigate and ENTER to select. But if you have only one OS, you can't do this. You can dual boot by choosing the "Install alongside another OS" option during the installation process.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

When I will install Ubuntu, will Windows remain?

Nithik R

Community Answer

It depends on what option you chose during installation. If you want to install Ubuntu and still have Windows, choose "Install alongside another OS" Then you will be able to choose which OS you want each time you boot your pc. This way, your files will also be safe. Or you can choose the default option to have ONLY Ubuntu. Note, if you go with the default option, it will ERASE ALL DATA on your computer.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

Won't the instruction at step 9 to "check the "Erase disk and install Ubuntu" box," permanently erase everything on the computer hard drive? I want to keep my files.

Nithik R

Community Answer

Yes, choosing the default option will erase all the data on the PC. But if you want to keep your files, during the installation choose the "Install alongside another OS" option. If this option is not seen in your version of Linux( most distros do have it), choose "Something else," then you will have to partition and format your hard disk by yourself. This way, each time you start your computer, you can choose which OS to boot into. This will save your files too.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

Does it have a pre-loaded desktop?

Nithik R

Community Answer

Yes, Ubuntu comes with a pre-loaded GNOME desktop environment. You can change if you like.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0