“Guide to Installing and Configuring Ubuntu Budgie on Your System”

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Guide to Installing and Configuring Ubuntu Budgie on Your System

Ubuntu Budgie is a fantastic Linux distribution that combines the elegance and simplicity of the Budgie desktop environment with the stability and familiarity of Ubuntu. This guide will walk you through the entire process of installing and configuring Ubuntu Budgie, from downloading the ISO image to setting up your preferred applications and customizing the desktop.

1. Prerequisites and System Requirements:

  • Download the ISO: Obtain the latest Ubuntu Budgie ISO image from the official website: https://ubuntubudgie.org/downloads/. Choose the appropriate architecture (likely 64-bit, “amd64”).
  • Create Bootable Media: You’ll need to create bootable media (a USB drive or a DVD).
    • USB Drive (Recommended): A USB drive with at least 4GB of storage is recommended. Use a tool like:
      • Rufus (Windows): https://rufus.ie/ – Very user-friendly and reliable.
      • Etcher (Windows, macOS, Linux): https://www.balena.io/etcher/ – Cross-platform and simple to use.
      • dd command (Linux): Be extremely careful with this command, as it can overwrite your hard drive if used incorrectly. The command looks like this (replace /dev/sdX with your USB drive’s actual device name – use lsblk to find it, and path/to/ubuntu-budgie.iso with the actual path): sudo dd bs=4M if=path/to/ubuntu-budgie.iso of=/dev/sdX status=progress && sync
    • DVD: Burn the ISO image to a DVD using your operating system’s built-in disc burning software or a third-party application.
  • System Requirements (Minimum):
    • Processor: 64-bit processor (most modern processors are 64-bit)
    • RAM: 2GB (4GB or more is recommended for a smoother experience)
    • Storage: 25GB of free disk space (more is better, especially if you plan to install many applications)
    • Graphics Card: A graphics card capable of at least 1024×768 resolution.
  • BIOS/UEFI Settings: You may need to adjust your computer’s BIOS or UEFI settings to boot from the USB drive or DVD. This typically involves pressing a key (Del, F2, F10, F12, Esc – check your computer’s manual) during startup to enter the BIOS/UEFI setup and changing the boot order. Disable “Secure Boot” if you encounter problems.

2. Installation Process:

  1. Boot from the Media: Insert your bootable USB drive or DVD and restart your computer. Ensure your computer is set to boot from the chosen media (see BIOS/UEFI settings above).

  2. Try or Install: You’ll be presented with a menu. Choose “Try Ubuntu Budgie” to test it out in a live environment without installing, or “Install Ubuntu Budgie” to begin the installation process directly. Trying it first is recommended.

  3. Welcome Screen: Select your language and click “Continue.”

  4. Keyboard Layout: Choose your keyboard layout and click “Continue.”

  5. Updates and Other Software:

    • Normal installation: Includes web browser, utilities, office software, games, and media players.
    • Minimal installation: Includes only a web browser and basic utilities. Choose this if you want a leaner system or plan to install specific software later.
    • Download updates while installing Ubuntu Budgie: Recommended to save time later. Requires an internet connection.
    • Install third-party software for graphics and Wi-Fi hardware and additional media formats: Recommended, especially if you have an NVIDIA graphics card or specific Wi-Fi hardware.
    • Click “Continue.”

  6. Installation Type: This is the most crucial step. Choose carefully!

    • Erase disk and install Ubuntu Budgie: This will completely erase your hard drive and install Ubuntu Budgie as the only operating system. Use this option only if you are sure you want to wipe your entire disk.
    • Something else: This option gives you full control over partitioning. This is for advanced users only. You’ll need to manually create partitions for your system (root, swap, and optionally a separate home partition).
    • (If dual-booting with another OS): You might see an option like “Install Ubuntu Budgie alongside [Your Other OS]”. This option will attempt to automatically resize your existing partitions to make space for Ubuntu Budgie. Back up your important data before using this option, as partition resizing always carries a small risk of data loss. If this option doesn’t appear, you’ll need to use “Something else” and manually create partitions.

  7. Select Drive (if necessary): If you have multiple hard drives or SSDs, you’ll need to choose the one where you want to install Ubuntu Budgie.

  8. Write Changes to Disk (Confirmation): You’ll be presented with a summary of the changes that will be made to your disk. Double-check everything carefully before clicking “Continue,” as this step is irreversible (if erasing the disk).

  9. Where are you?: Select your time zone and click “Continue.”

  10. Who are you?: Enter your name, your computer’s name (hostname), a username, and a strong password. Choose whether to log in automatically or require a password. Click “Continue.”

  11. Installation: The installation process will now begin. This can take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes, depending on your hardware.

  12. Installation Complete: Once the installation is finished, you’ll be prompted to restart your computer. Click “Restart Now.” Remove the installation media (USB drive or DVD) when prompted.

3. Post-Installation Configuration:

  1. First Boot: After restarting, you’ll be greeted by the Budgie desktop.

  2. Update System: It’s crucial to update your system to the latest packages and security updates. Open the “Budgie Menu” (usually in the bottom-left corner) and search for “Software Updater.” Run the updater and install any available updates. You can also do this from the terminal:
    bash
    sudo apt update
    sudo apt upgrade
    sudo apt dist-upgrade # (Optional, but recommended for major upgrades)

  3. Install Drivers (if needed): If you have an NVIDIA graphics card, you might want to install the proprietary drivers for better performance. Open the “Budgie Menu” and search for “Additional Drivers.” Select the recommended NVIDIA driver and click “Apply Changes.” You may need to restart your computer.

  4. Install Essential Software: Ubuntu Budgie comes with a basic set of applications, but you’ll likely want to install more. You can use the “Software” application (similar to an app store) or the terminal. Here are some common applications and their terminal installation commands:

    • VLC Media Player: sudo apt install vlc
    • GIMP (Image Editor): sudo apt install gimp
    • LibreOffice (Office Suite): (Usually pre-installed, but if not) sudo apt install libreoffice
    • Google Chrome: Download the .deb package from the official Chrome website and install it using sudo dpkg -i google-chrome-stable_current_amd64.deb (replace with the actual filename), followed by sudo apt-get install -f to fix any dependency issues.
    • Spotify: Follow the instructions on the Spotify website for Linux installation (usually involves adding a repository and installing via apt).
    • Steam: sudo apt install steam
    • Visual Studio Code: Download deb package from https://code.visualstudio.com/ and sudo dpkg -i <file> then sudo apt-get install -f

  5. Customize the Desktop: Budgie is highly customizable.

    • Budgie Desktop Settings: Right-click on the desktop and choose “Budgie Desktop Settings.” Here you can change:
      • Style: Choose between different themes, icon sets, and cursor themes.
      • Panels: Add, remove, and customize panels (the bars at the top and/or bottom of the screen).
      • Applets: Add or remove applets (small applications that run within the panels, like a clock, system monitor, or network manager).
      • Autostart: Manage applications that start automatically when you log in.
      • Windows: Configure window behavior, such as window snapping and focus settings.
    • Raven Sidebar Raven is accessed by a button on panel, or by Super + N. From here you can adjust the sound settings, see notifications and calendar.
    • Wallpapers Right-click the desktop and choose “Change Background” to select a different wallpaper.

  6. Install Plank (Optional Dock): Budgie has panel which can act as a dock. But for more flexibility you can install plank.
    bash
    sudo apt install plank
    Run Plank from the menu. To make it start automatically, add it to the “Autostart” section in “Budgie Desktop Settings.”

  7. Configure Network (if needed): Most network connections will be configured automatically, but if you need to manually configure a Wi-Fi network or set up a VPN, you can do so through the network applet in the panel (usually a Wi-Fi or network icon).

  8. Learn the Keyboard Shortcuts: Budgie has several useful keyboard shortcuts. Some common ones include:

    • Super key (Windows key): Opens the Budgie Menu.
    • Super + D: Show the desktop.
    • Super + Tab: Switch between windows.
    • Super + Arrow keys: Snap windows to the edges of the screen.
    • Alt + F4: Close the current window.
    • Ctrl + Alt + T: Open a terminal.
    • Super + N: Show Raven.

  9. Explore Budgie Welcome Application: The Budgie Welcome application provides helpful information, links to documentation, and options for further customization. Access it through the Budgie Menu.

  10. Backup your system: After you installed and configured everything, it’s very recommended to backup your system. You can use tools like Timeshift.

This comprehensive guide should help you successfully install and configure Ubuntu Budgie on your system. Remember to explore the settings and customize the desktop to your liking. Enjoy your new, elegant, and efficient operating system!

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