Here's a no-nonsense guide to installing Kubuntu, my favorite Linux distribution.
If you have an older computer collecting dust somewhere, this is a great way to breathe new life into it.
A. Why Kubuntu?
I like it for its ease of use, wide hardware compatibility, and beautiful KDE interface. It is a friendly distribution to those familiar with macOS and Windows interfaces.
B. Get a host device
Find a computer with at least 4 GB of RAM and prepare to erase the entire hard drive. The M1 Mac does not work with Kubuntu (yet).
If you don't want to wipe the entire hard drive, you can install Kubuntu alongside your existing operating system on your computer. However, I do not recommend doing so since it can get messy.
You can also install Kubuntu on virtualization software such as Oracle VM Virtualbox. A guide for this is in the works, but installing Kubuntu on a physical machine is my preferred method.
C. Download the Kubuntu 20.10 ISO file
Download Kubuntu 20.10 here.
The file will be in optical disc image (ISO) format.
D. Download balenaEtcher
Download balenaEtcher here.
E. Plug in a flash drive
Get a flash drive with at least 4 GB of storage capacity and plug it in to your computer. This will be wiped, so back up any files if needed.
F. Flash the ISO onto a USB drive
Open balenaEtcher.
Step 1 - Select Flash from file and navigate to the downloaded Kubuntu 20.10 ISO file
Step 2 - Select the USB drive you plugged in from section E
Step 3 - Flash, ah ahh! (Your computer may prompt you to type in an administrator's credentials. If this causes the process to fail, then go back and start the flashing process again)
G. Configure the host device
PC
Boot into the PC's BIOS/startup settings. This method varies per machine make and model. Search for the method for your computer on Google. Usually this can be done by pressing or holding Esc, F2, F8, F10, F12, or Del while powering on the computer.
Configure your startup settings to prioritize USB media before your computer's hard drive so the computer can boot from the flash drive instead of your hard drive. Again, you may need to search for the method specific to your computer to configure this.
You also need to disable secure boot if there is an option to do so. This is usually under your BIOS security settings.
Save your changes and proceed.
Mac
Hold option while powering on your Mac. Your USB drive will show up next to your Macintosh hard drive. Select the USB drive with arrow keys and press return.
If nothing showed up after you held option, you may need to follow these instructions to disable secure boot.
H. Boot into Kubuntu
If everything is configured correctly up to this point, your computer should boot into the Kubuntu USB drive you created.
You have options to try out Kubuntu or go straight to installing it.
Install it once you're ready, and come back when it's time to dive deeper into the wonderful wacky world of Linux.
