Latest Ubuntu ISO Download & Installation Instructions

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Ubuntu 23.10 (Mantic Minotaur) & 22.04 LTS (Jammy Jellyfish): Download and Installation Guide

This guide provides detailed instructions on downloading and installing the latest Ubuntu releases: Ubuntu 23.10 (Mantic Minotaur, the current non-LTS release) and Ubuntu 22.04 LTS (Jammy Jellyfish, the latest Long-Term Support release). We’ll cover the desktop (GUI) version, as it’s the most common choice for new users. We will focus on 22.04 LTS installation, as it is recommended for most users. Instructions for 23.10 are nearly identical. Key differences will be noted.

Choosing the Right Version (LTS vs. Non-LTS):

  • Ubuntu 22.04 LTS (Jammy Jellyfish): “LTS” stands for Long-Term Support. This version receives security updates and bug fixes for five years (until April 2027) for the desktop, server, and core editions, and three years for other flavors (Kubuntu, Xubuntu, etc.). This is the recommended version for most users who want a stable and reliable system.
  • Ubuntu 23.10 (Mantic Minotaur): This is the latest non-LTS release. It features newer software and features, but it only receives support for nine months (until July 2024). This version is suitable for users who want the latest features and are comfortable upgrading to the next release regularly.

1. System Requirements (for both 22.04 LTS and 23.10):

Before you begin, ensure your system meets the minimum requirements:

  • Processor: 2 GHz dual-core processor or better
  • RAM: 4 GB system memory (though 2GB may work, 4GB is strongly recommended)
  • Hard Drive Space: 25 GB of free hard drive space
  • Graphics Card: VGA capable of 1024×768 screen resolution
  • Either a DVD drive or a USB port for the installer media
  • Internet access is helpful, but not strictly required (for updates and additional software during installation)

2. Download the Ubuntu ISO Image:

  • Ubuntu 22.04 LTS (Jammy Jellyfish):

    • Go to the official Ubuntu download page: https://ubuntu.com/download/desktop
    • Click the green “Download 22.04.3 LTS” button. The download will start automatically. The file is named something like ubuntu-22.04.3-desktop-amd64.iso.

  • Ubuntu 23.10 (Mantic Minotaur):

    • Go to the official Ubuntu download page: https://ubuntu.com/download/desktop

    • Click the green “Download 23.10” button. The download will start automatically. The file is named something like ubuntu-23.10-desktop-amd64.iso.

    • Alternative (more reliable) download method: Torrent. On the download page, you’ll often see a link for “Alternative downloads” or “Torrent download.” Using a torrent client (like qBittorrent, Transmission, or Deluge) is generally faster and more reliable, especially for large files like these. The torrent file will have a .torrent extension.

3. Create a Bootable USB Drive or DVD:

You need to create bootable media from the downloaded ISO file. A USB drive is generally preferred (faster and reusable).

  • Using Rufus (Windows – Recommended):

    1. Download Rufus: https://rufus.ie/
    2. Insert a USB drive (at least 8GB, all data on it will be erased).
    3. Run Rufus.
    4. Device: Select your USB drive.
    5. Boot selection: Click “SELECT” and choose the downloaded Ubuntu ISO file.
    6. Partition scheme: Select “GPT” if your computer uses UEFI firmware (most modern computers do). Select “MBR” if your computer uses legacy BIOS. If you’re unsure, try GPT first.
    7. File system: Leave as “FAT32 (Default)”.
    8. Cluster size: Leave as default.
    9. Click “START”. You may see a warning about downloading additional files (syslinux). Click “Yes” to allow this.
    10. You’ll get a warning that all data on the USB drive will be destroyed. Click “OK” to proceed.
    11. Wait for Rufus to finish creating the bootable USB drive.

  • Using Etcher (Windows, macOS, Linux):

    1. Download Etcher: https://etcher.balena.io/
    2. Insert your USB drive (at least 8GB).
    3. Run Etcher.
    4. Select image: Click “Flash from file” and choose the downloaded Ubuntu ISO file.
    5. Select target: Click “Select target” and choose your USB drive.
    6. Flash!: Click “Flash!” to start the process. You may need to grant administrative privileges.
    7. Wait for Etcher to finish and verify the process.

  • Using built-in tools (macOS):

    1. Insert your USB drive (at least 8GB).
    2. Open Disk Utility (Applications > Utilities > Disk Utility).
    3. Select your USB drive in the left sidebar.
    4. Click “Erase”.
    5. Format: Choose “MS-DOS (FAT)”.
    6. Scheme: Choose “GUID Partition Map”.
    7. Click “Erase”.
    8. Open Terminal (Applications > Utilities > Terminal).
    9. Convert the .iso file to .img using the hdiutil command:
      bash
      hdiutil convert -format UDRW -o ~/path/to/target.img ~/path/to/ubuntu.iso
      (Replace ~/path/to/target.img with the desired path and filename for the output .img file, and ~/path/to/ubuntu.iso with the actual path to your downloaded Ubuntu ISO file). Note: macOS may automatically add a .dmg extension. This is fine.
    10. Identify your USB drive’s device identifier:
      bash
      diskutil list
      Look for your USB drive (it will likely be something like /dev/disk2, but be absolutely sure you have the correct identifier; choosing the wrong one will erase the wrong drive!). Unmount the drive (don’t eject it):
      bash
      diskutil unmountDisk /dev/diskX
      (Replace /dev/diskX with the correct identifier from the previous step).
    11. Write the image to the USB drive using the dd command:
      bash
      sudo dd if=~/path/to/target.img.dmg of=/dev/rdiskX bs=1m
      (Replace ~/path/to/target.img.dmg with the path to your .img file, and /dev/rdiskX with the raw device identifier of your USB drive. Note the rdisk instead of disk – this is for faster writing. bs=1m sets the block size to 1 megabyte). This command will erase the USB drive, and it provides no progress indicator. Be patient; it can take a while. You’ll be prompted for your administrator password.

  • Using built-in tools (Linux):

    1. Insert your USB drive (at least 8GB).
    2. Identify your USB drive’s device identifier:
      bash
      lsblk
      Look for your USB drive (it will likely be something like /dev/sdb, but be absolutely sure you have the correct identifier; choosing the wrong one will erase the wrong drive!). Note down the device name without any partition number (e.g., /dev/sdb, not /dev/sdb1).
    3. Unmount the USB drive (if it’s mounted):
      bash
      sudo umount /dev/sdX*
      (Replace /dev/sdX with the correct identifier).
    4. Write the image to the USB drive using the dd command:
      bash
      sudo dd if=/path/to/ubuntu.iso of=/dev/sdX bs=4M status=progress
      (Replace /path/to/ubuntu.iso with the path to your Ubuntu ISO file, and /dev/sdX with the correct identifier of your USB drive. bs=4M sets the block size to 4 megabytes, and status=progress shows the progress). This command will erase the USB drive.

  • Burning a DVD (Less Common):
    If you prefer to use a DVD, you’ll need a DVD burner and a blank DVD-R or DVD-RW disc. Most operating systems have built-in tools for burning ISO images to discs. Right-click the ISO file and look for an option like “Burn disc image” (Windows), “Burn Disk Image to Disc” (macOS), or use a disc burning application like Brasero (Linux).

4. Boot from the USB Drive or DVD:

  1. Restart your computer.
  2. Enter the BIOS/UEFI settings: You need to access your computer’s boot menu. The key to press during startup varies depending on your computer manufacturer. Common keys include:
    • Del
    • F2
    • F10
    • F11
    • F12
    • Esc
      Look for a message on the screen during startup that says something like “Press [key] to enter setup” or “Press [key] for boot menu.”
  3. Change the boot order: In the BIOS/UEFI settings, find the “Boot” section. You need to change the boot order so that your USB drive or DVD drive is listed before your hard drive. The exact steps vary depending on your BIOS/UEFI interface, but it usually involves selecting the USB/DVD drive and using arrow keys or +/- keys to move it to the top of the list.
  4. Save changes and exit: Make sure to save your changes (usually by pressing F10) and exit the BIOS/UEFI settings. Your computer will restart.

5. Install Ubuntu:

  1. “Try Ubuntu” or “Install Ubuntu”: After booting from the USB/DVD, you’ll see a menu. Choose “Try Ubuntu” to test Ubuntu without installing, or “Install Ubuntu” to start the installation process directly. For this guide, we’ll proceed with “Install Ubuntu”.

  2. Keyboard Layout: Select your keyboard layout and click “Continue”.

  3. Updates and Other Software:

    • Normal installation: Installs a full desktop environment with common applications (recommended for most users).
    • Minimal installation: Installs a basic desktop environment with fewer applications (for advanced users or those with limited storage space).
    • Download updates while installing Ubuntu: Recommended if you have an internet connection.
    • Install third-party software for graphics and Wi-Fi hardware and additional media formats: Recommended for better hardware compatibility.
      Click “Continue”.

  4. Installation Type: This is the most crucial step. Be very careful here, as choosing the wrong option can erase your existing data.

    • Erase disk and install Ubuntu: This option will erase your entire hard drive and install Ubuntu as the only operating system. Use this option only if you want to completely wipe your hard drive and dedicate it to Ubuntu.
    • Something else: This option allows you to manually create and manage partitions. This is the recommended option for advanced users who want more control over the installation process, including dual-booting with another operating system. If you choose this option, you’ll need to:
      • Identify your hard drive (usually /dev/sda or /dev/nvme0n1).
      • Create a new partition table (if necessary). Choose “GPT” for UEFI systems and “msdos” for legacy BIOS systems.
      • Create at least two partitions:
        • Root partition (/): This is where the Ubuntu operating system will be installed. Recommended size: at least 25GB. File system: ext4.
        • Swap partition: This is used as virtual memory. Recommended size: Equal to or double your RAM size (e.g., if you have 4GB of RAM, create a 4GB or 8GB swap partition). File system: swap.
      • (Optional) Create a separate /home partition to store your personal files. This makes it easier to reinstall Ubuntu in the future without losing your data. Recommended size: The remaining space on your hard drive. File system: ext4.
      • Select the root partition (/) and click “Install Now”.
    • Install Ubuntu alongside [other operating system]: This option is only available if Ubuntu detects another operating system on your hard drive. It will automatically resize your existing partitions to make space for Ubuntu and set up a dual-boot menu. This is generally the easiest option for dual-booting, but you should still back up your data before proceeding.

    After making your selection (and configuring partitions if you chose “Something else”), click “Install Now”. You’ll see a summary of the changes that will be made. Click “Continue” to proceed.

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

  6. Who are you? Enter your name, your computer’s name (hostname), a username, and a strong password. You can choose to log in automatically or require a password to log in. Click “Continue”.

  7. Installation Progress: The installation process will begin. This can take some time, depending on your computer’s speed and the options you selected.

  8. Installation Complete: Once the installation is finished, you’ll see a message saying “Installation Complete”. Click “Restart Now”.

  9. Remove Installation Media: After restarting, you may be prompted to remove the installation media (USB drive or DVD). Remove it and press Enter.

  10. Boot into Ubuntu: Your computer will boot into your newly installed Ubuntu system. You’ll see the login screen (if you chose to require a password). Enter your password to log in.

Post-Installation Steps (Highly Recommended):

  1. Update Your System: Open a terminal (Ctrl+Alt+T) and run these commands:
    bash
    sudo apt update
    sudo apt upgrade
    sudo apt dist-upgrade # Important for upgrading to new kernel versions
    sudo apt autoremove # Remove any unnecessary packages
    You’ll be prompted for your password. These commands will download and install the latest updates for your system.

  2. Install Additional Drivers (if needed): Ubuntu usually handles most hardware automatically, but you may need to install additional drivers for some devices (e.g., graphics cards, Wi-Fi adapters). Go to “Software & Updates” (search for it in the Activities overview) and click the “Additional Drivers” tab. Ubuntu will search for available drivers and allow you to install them.

  3. Install Your Favorite Applications: You can install additional software using the Ubuntu Software Center (GUI) or the apt command in the terminal.

    • Ubuntu Software Center: Search for applications by name or category and click “Install”.

    • Terminal:
      bash
      sudo apt install <package_name>
      (Replace <package_name> with the name of the package you want to install. For example, sudo apt install vlc to install the VLC media player).

  4. Explore and Customize: Ubuntu offers a wide range of customization options. Explore the settings to personalize your desktop environment, themes, and other preferences.

This comprehensive guide should get you up and running with Ubuntu. Remember to back up your data before making any significant changes to your system, and enjoy exploring the world of Ubuntu!

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