Click here to view release cycle details.
Click here to visit an inspiring and informative site created by a fellow, and young, Linux enthusiast.
1. Download a copy of the *.iso file from Ubuntu Downloads Site
N.B. If you are interested in obtaining a pre-release version [development versions made available prior to the official launch date] for testing / evaluation then the 'current' daily build can be downloaded from this link. Remember this should NOT to be used for your main system.
Linux: If you have another version of Ubuntu [or other Linux distribution] you can use the "StartUp Disk Creator" tool to burn the *.iso file to your media which may take around 5 minutes.
Windows: Otherwise is you have Windows you will need to use freeisoburner {or a similar tool} compatible with that operating system
2. Create your 'LIVE' boot image on suitable media [using one of the above methods] to a USB stick or an empty DVD
3. Place the USB in slot, or the Live-DVD in CD drawer, and power off / on your computer.
N.B. The external drive's Ubuntu system should load from the media if your BIOS settings are set correctly. If not check out how to change the order of boot devices for your particular computer in it's BIOS and alter the load sequence to an appropriate order, like CD / USB / HDD.
4. Alternatively press the appropriate function key {e.g. F8} that allows you to select your USB boot device.
N.B. Remember that loading a new operating system from external media takes longer than normal as these devices are much slower than an internal Hard Disk Drive [HDD] and very much slower than a Solid State Drive [SSD].
5. As the new version of the operating system begins to load follow the on screen instructions and supply details as requested.
N.B. It is a good idea to make notes of these actions as you go along so you have details to hand if you need them later. If your computer is wired to the internet by an ethernet cable the connected will be detected automatically, otherwise you will be invited to connect to your local Wifi access point using it's SSID and password.
6. When the new Ubuntu desktop loads you can opt to use it for a while, if you want to get to know it, then when ready click the "install" icon and follow the on screen prompts.
7. Providing your internet connection is active you can opt for a full installation and at the same time download any updates and 3rd party software. If prompted allow the Software Updater App to apply any updates that have become available since the *.iso image you downloaded was created.
N.B. Again follow the on screen instructions and note down all details for use later.
8. The installation process should only take about 10 minutes [give or take a few minutes depending on the speed of your computer] after which you can shut down the system, remove the installation media, and re-boot your newly installed copy of Ubuntu which will load with the default desktop, hopefully within a matter of just a few seconds - if using an SSD this can be less than 10 seconds.
At this point you will have a proper working system capable of many everyday tasks. However you will probably want to add other items of software that are important to you.
9. One of the first things you will probably want to do is to launch Firefox [default browser] and, if you already have an account with them, log into their user validation service using your email address and password to synchronise your bookmarks etc.
If Firefox is not your thing you can install Chrome, Chromium or another favourite / compatible browser.
There are many other useful products you may want to install and most of them are free. You can use the Ubuntu Software App or search Google for whatever you require. For a search simply key in something like "Download product name" and following links.
A few examples of some favourites to be recommended are :-
uCareSystem [debian version] which is a great way of managing Linux updates instead of the default Software Updater App
LibreOffice a free alternate 'office suite' of productivity applications [this is installed by default but if you opted to skip it during installation it can be downloaded from here]
VLC which is a comprehensive media player that works with just about any type of media you are likely to encounter [you can install the 'snap' package from here]
10. To close down the system use the small power icon in the top right hand corner of the screen.
11. To hibernate or suspend a laptop simply close it's lid, for a desktop PC you need to use the “Suspend” App which is found by pressing the Show Applications icon at the bottom on the screen and it will display a full list of all Apps available from which you can select or search for anything you want.
12. Use this guide called What to do after installing Ubuntu 20.04 and apply as many of the items you fancy.
N.B. You may for instance move the dock to bottom row, re-arranging the order of your ‘launcher icons’ and set your display
options for the date and time details and perhaps a dark theme - but of course everything is a matter of personal choice
Click here to see notes on 'Tower' installation to Vasekey SSD.
It will happen naturally
When the latest official release is made you should be notified from from within Software Updater that it is available and you simply accept the option to upgrade - this could take about 20 minutes [give or take 5 minutes] depending upon your computer / internet speed.
If you can't wait and want to make it happen now [grab the beta]
Remember that it is NOT advisable to update your main 'daily' system in this way as beta installations may not work in all aspects and you don't want to be left in a situation where you can not carry out important work. While it is pretty straightforward to update you CAN NOT downgrade easily - the only option is to completely re-install the earlier release meaning that you have back-ups of everything available etc. etc. before you start.
It is a good idea to familiarise yourself with the process by following these links.
Click here to see an ItsFOSS article that covers the options available for upgrading to 20.04 from [some] earlier releases.
Click here to watch a short video that goes through the main points
Here are the terminal commands mentioned in the video needed to update your system :-
First: sudo apt update && sudo apt dist-upgrade
Then run update manager for development release: update-manager -d
That's it. Follow the rest of the steps and you'll have the latest and greatest Ubuntu.
Having the extra power to make significant changes
Click here to read an ItsFOSS article called "Root User in Ubuntu- Important Things You Should Know" - not meant for beginners, but handy to know about.