5 Alternative Ways To Install Ubuntu [Linux]

Exploring Diverse Ubuntu Installation Methods

Ubuntu stands out as a favored Linux-based operating system for many users. Numerous articles detail its strengths, from the merits of Ubuntu 10.04 to the advantages it offers over Windows in specific tasks.

However, a key benefit of Ubuntu, and Linux generally, lies in its adaptability to a wide range of hardware. This article explores five unconventional installation approaches for those facing unique circumstances.

Installation via USB Drive

Optical drives are becoming increasingly obsolete. If your computer lacks one, whether it's a netbook or a desktop with a malfunctioning drive, installing Ubuntu from a USB drive provides a viable solution.

UNetBootin is a highly effective tool for this purpose. It facilitates the creation of bootable USB drives from a variety of Linux Live CDs or external hard drives. Booting from the USB drive allows for a standard Ubuntu installation process.

Further guidance on utilizing UNetBootin can be found in Blake's article, "How To Install Linux With Ease with UNetBootin."

Mac users seeking a bootable USB installation can consult Jeffry's article, "How To Create A Portable Ubuntu Installation USB On The Mac," although utilizing a Windows or Linux computer remains the most straightforward approach.

Installing Ubuntu From Within a Windows Environment

While some Ubuntu enthusiasts advocate for a complete transition away from Windows, coexistence is entirely possible.

The Wubi installer enables direct installation of Ubuntu from within Windows. Inserting an Ubuntu CD prompts a standard installation query, facilitated by the Wubi program.

If a CD is unavailable, Wubi can be downloaded independently. It automatically downloads Ubuntu and initiates the installation. Importantly, Ubuntu can be uninstalled from within Windows as easily as any other application.

Tim's article, "How to Set Up a Dual Boot Windows & Linux System with Wubi," provides a comprehensive overview of this method.

Ubuntu Installation on Apple Macintosh Systems

Mac users may hesitate to install Ubuntu due to the lack of official Linux support in Apple’s Boot Camp software and the complexity of many online guides.

The process can indeed be intricate, but Ubuntu provides extensive documentation outlining the necessary steps. These methods generally rely on rEFit, a boot loader for Macs that offers improved Linux compatibility compared to BootCamp.

A detailed exploration of rEFit from MakeUseOf is planned, contingent upon access to a Macintosh system.

Installation to a USB Disk for Portability

While using a USB disk as a LiveCD is useful, creating a customizable, portable Ubuntu installation for use on any computer is also achievable. Tools like Portable Linux or LiveUSBCreator can accomplish this.

Alternatively, installing directly to a USB thumb drive during the Ubuntu installation process—instead of a traditional hard drive—is a viable option. Additional information is available on the Ubuntu wiki.

Leveraging VMWare for Installation

VMWare offers a unique installation pathway. A new virtual machine can be created, configured to write the operating system directly to a physical drive—either a secondary drive within the computer or a USB thumb drive.

This method proves beneficial when installing Ubuntu on a computer lacking an optical drive or a functional USB port, requiring the use of a secondary computer. The target drive can be connected via a USB to IDE adapter or internally.

Detailed instructions and potential limitations can be found on the Ubuntu help website.

Upgrading From a Previous Ubuntu Release

Users of Ubuntu 9.10 can seamlessly upgrade to Ubuntu 10.04 through the built-in update utility.

Initiating the upgrade process involves downloading and installing approximately 700 MB of packages. It is strongly recommended to back up data beforehand, as the process can be time-consuming and may require several hours of uninterrupted computer access.

Further details regarding the upgrade process are available on the official Ubuntu website.

In Conclusion

This article has presented a range of unconventional methods for installing Ubuntu. These techniques are often applicable to other Linux distributions as well.

Numerous other installation approaches exist. Should none of these methods suit your specific needs, exploring the extensive resources available online is highly recommended.

Feel free to share any alternative Ubuntu installation methods you've found successful in the comments below, along with relevant documentation. While opinions on Linux distributions vary, the focus here remains on practical installation techniques.