My Ubuntu Journey: Installation, Virtualization, and Lessons Learned

What is Ubuntu?

Ubuntu is a popular open-source Linux-based operating system. It’s known for its user-friendly interface and extensive software repository. Ubuntu is distributed freely, making it accessible to a wide range of users, and it’s often used for various purposes, including desktop computing, servers, and as the basis for other Linux distributions.

How did you download the operating system image?

I downloaded the Ubuntu operating system image from the official Ubuntu website (ubuntu.com). It’s important to obtain software from official sources to ensure you are getting a legitimate and secure version.

How did you set up your virtual machine?

To set up my virtual machine, I followed a straightforward process that began with downloading and installing VMware. Here’s a more detailed account of how I set up my virtual machine:

· Download and Installation of VMware:

o I initiated the setup by downloading the VMware software from the official website. Following the on-screen instructions, I completed the installation process, ensuring that VMware was properly installed on my host system.

· Launch VMware:

o After the installation, I launched VMware by clicking on the desktop or application shortcut. This opened up the VMware interface, allowing me to manage and create virtual machines.

· Creation of a New Virtual Machine:

o Inside VMware, I opted to create a new virtual machine. This step involved selecting “New Virtual Machine” from the menu or toolbar, which initiated the New Virtual Machine Wizard.

· Configuration of the Virtual Machine:

o During the setup, I was presented with choices regarding the type of configuration I wanted for my virtual machine. This included specifying whether I wanted a typical or custom configuration. Depending on my needs, I could choose to customize hardware settings such as CPU, RAM, and storage.

· Installation of Ubuntu from Bootable USB Drive:

o Since my intention was to run Ubuntu, I ensured that I had a bootable USB drive with the Ubuntu installation image. I inserted the bootable USB drive into my computer.

Within the New Virtual Machine Wizard, I selected the option to install the guest operating system from an ISO file or physical optical drive. I pointed the wizard to my Ubuntu ISO file located on the bootable USB drive.

· Guest OS Installation:

o With the Ubuntu installation media configured, I proceeded to install Ubuntu on my virtual machine by following the on-screen instructions. This process involved selecting language preferences, partitioning the virtual disk, creating a user account, and configuring other system settings.

· Post-Installation Configuration:

o After Ubuntu was successfully installed, I performed any necessary post-installation steps, such as installing updates, drivers, and software within the virtual machine.

· Usage of the Virtual Machine:

o Once my virtual machine was up and running, I used it as if it were a physical computer. I ran applications, performed tasks, and conducted experiments or work related to my educational or professional goals.

· Proper Shutdown:

o When I finished using the virtual machine, I ensured that I shut it down properly to save the state and resources. This is crucial to maintain the integrity of the virtual machine and its data.

What are the steps you took to make an Ubuntu bootable USB drive?

I used Rufus, a reliable and widely used tool for creating bootable USB drives. Here are the steps I followed:

a) Downloaded the Ubuntu ISO image from the official website.

b) Inserted a USB flash drive (8GB or larger).

c) Opened Rufus and selected the USB drive as the target device.

d) Chose the Ubuntu ISO file as the source for the bootable drive.

e) Configured any additional settings as needed (e.g., partition scheme, file system).

f) Clicked “Start” to create the bootable USB drive.

What challenges and lessons did you encounter during the task?

I faced a challenge initially when my flash drive became corrupted after using BalenaEtcher to create the bootable drive. This issue taught me the importance of using reliable tools like Rufus for creating bootable drives to avoid potential data loss and corruption.

Additionally, I learned that while financial constraints can be a challenge, it’s essential to prioritize legal and ethical software usage. Exploring free and open-source alternatives or looking for student discounts can be a responsible way to obtain the software you need while respecting licensing agreements.