How to Run Ubuntu on a Dell Inspiron Netbook

Ubuntu Linux supports many hardware configurations, and even has a netbook specific release that supports computers such as the Dell Inspiron netbook. You can load the Ubuntu installation image onto a USB key, as the netbook does not have an optical disk drive. The utility creates a bootable USB key and you can use the Desktop or Netbook edition of Ubuntu to install the operating system.

Things You'll Need

• USB key

Instructions

1. Download the Desktop or Netbook edition of the Ubuntu operating system from Ubuntu.com.

2. Insert your USB stick into the Dell Inspiron netbook. Download the software package called "Universal USB installer" from Ubuntu.com. Double-click this file once it downloads, clicking "Run" if prompted by your computer. Click "I Agree" once the installation wizard appears. Select your specific Ubuntu version from the drop down list of selections. Click "Browse" and point the installer to the location that you downloaded the Ubuntu package to. Select your USB key's drive letter and click "Create."

3. Restart your computer. Select your native language from the list and click the "Install Ubuntu" button. Click "Forward." Choose your installation option. You can replace your existing operating system with Ubuntu, or install Ubuntu alongside the operating system. Click "Forward." Click "Install Now." Type your geographic location or choose it from the world map. Click "Forward." Change the keyboard layout if needed. Click "Forward."

4. Create a login, password and provide your name. Click "Forward." Click "Restart Now" to finalize the installation and boot into Ubuntu. Remove the USB key from your Dell netbook.

References

• Ubuntu: Install it!