How To Freshly Install Ubuntu Linux 11.04

If you're having problems with your Ubuntu install, or you just want to start afresh, doing a fresh install is quick and easy. Here's how.

Download and burn the Ubuntu 11.04 ISO image to disc. Insert it into the CD/DVD drive.

When the CD boots, two options display. Click on Install Ubuntu.

On the next screen, check Download Updates While Installing. Click Forward.

The Allocate Drive Space window comes up. Select Erase Disk and Install Ubuntu, then click Forward.

Next, confirm the changes to the hard drive. Verify the settings are correct and click Install Now to continue.

Next, the system will scan and format the disk.

Select your timezone and click Forward.

Choose your Keyboard Layout. The default is USA -- but if you need to change it, do that here and click Forward.

Now enter in your name, username and password. Select Require My Password to Log In and click Forward.

Almost done. You'll see a series of screens come up while the installation process continues.

The updates for your system will download and install.

After the update downloads have completed, click on the Restart Now button.

Remove the install disc and press Enter on your keyboard.

When Ubuntu comes back up, type in your username and password and click Login.

That's it! The installation is complete and you can begin enjoying the new features of your clean install of Ubuntu 11.04.

If you're not an early adopter and don't need the latest version of Ubuntu, check out BYTE's article on how to do a fresh install of Ubuntu 10.10.

Joey Kelley is a senior contributor at BYTE. Follow him @sandpvrr, or email him at Joey. Kelley@BYTE.com.