Getting Started with Ubuntu 24.04 LTS

Ubuntu 24.04 LTS (Noble Numbat) is one of the most beginner-friendly Linux distributions available. Whether you're switching from Windows, macOS, or upgrading from an older Ubuntu release, this guide walks you through every step of the installation process.

What You'll Need Before You Begin

  • A USB drive with at least 8 GB of storage
  • A computer with at least 4 GB of RAM (8 GB recommended)
  • At least 25 GB of free disk space
  • An active internet connection (optional but recommended)
  • The Ubuntu 24.04 ISO file, downloaded from ubuntu.com/download

Step 1: Download the Ubuntu ISO

Head to the official Ubuntu website and download the Ubuntu 24.04 LTS desktop image. The file will be around 5 GB, so give it some time depending on your connection speed. Always verify the ISO checksum after downloading to make sure the file isn't corrupted.

Step 2: Create a Bootable USB Drive

You'll need to flash the ISO onto your USB drive. Here are the most popular tools for this:

  • Balena Etcher — Cross-platform, beginner-friendly, and free
  • Rufus — Windows-only but highly reliable
  • dd command — For Linux users comfortable with the terminal

Open your tool of choice, select the Ubuntu ISO as the source, choose your USB drive as the target, and click Flash/Write. This process usually takes 5–10 minutes.

Step 3: Boot from the USB Drive

Insert the USB into the target computer and restart it. You'll need to access the BIOS/UEFI boot menu — typically by pressing F2, F12, Del, or Esc right as the computer starts up (the key varies by manufacturer). Select your USB drive as the boot device.

Step 4: Start the Installation

Ubuntu will boot into a live environment. You can explore the desktop before committing to installation. When ready, double-click the "Install Ubuntu" icon on the desktop.

Installation Options

  1. Try Ubuntu — Runs Ubuntu from USB without installing, useful for testing hardware compatibility
  2. Install Ubuntu — Begins the installation wizard

Step 5: Configure Installation Settings

The installer will guide you through the following choices:

  • Language and keyboard layout — Choose your preferred options
  • Installation type — "Normal installation" includes a web browser and common utilities; "Minimal installation" is leaner
  • Updates and third-party software — Check both boxes for the best out-of-box experience
  • Disk partitioning — "Erase disk and install Ubuntu" is simplest for new installs; use "Something else" for dual-boot or custom partitions

Step 6: Set Up Your User Account

Create your username and a strong password. You can also set your computer's hostname (the name it appears as on your network). Choose whether to require a password on login — recommended for security.

Step 7: Complete the Installation

The installer will copy files and configure your system. This typically takes 10–20 minutes. Once complete, you'll be prompted to restart the computer. Remove the USB drive when instructed, and Ubuntu will boot for the first time.

Post-Installation Tips

  • Run sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade in the terminal to install the latest updates
  • Install additional drivers via Software & Updates → Additional Drivers
  • Explore the Ubuntu Software Center for apps
  • Enable automatic security updates for peace of mind

Congratulations — you're now running Ubuntu 24.04 LTS! The learning curve is gentler than you might expect, and a huge community is always ready to help.