Ubuntu Installation

The preparations in the previous chapter are complete, starting from installing VirtualBox to downloading and verifying the ISO file. Now it is time to run the actual installation process. This chapter will guide us step-by-step, starting from creating a new virtual machine in VirtualBox to logging into the Ubuntu desktop for the first time, including how to update the system to keep it up to date after the installation is complete. This entire process uses a graphical installer designed to make it easy for new users, so we do not need to worry even if this is the first time installing an operating system.

6.1 Creating a Virtual Machine in VirtualBox

We need to prepare a virtual machine (VM) first, which is a virtual computer that serves as the home for Ubuntu inside the host system, before we can run the Ubuntu installer. VirtualBox 7.x provides an intuitive interface for this process.

6.1.1 Creating a New VM

Open VirtualBox Manager, then follow these steps:

1. Click the New button at the top of the VirtualBox Manager window. The new VM creation dialog box will appear.
2. In the Name and Operating System section, fill in the following information:
   • Name: Type the VM name, for example Ubuntu 26.04 LTS. VirtualBox will automatically detect the OS type and version after we add the ISO file.
   • Folder: Leave default, this is the location where VirtualBox will store the VM files.
   • ISO Image: Click the folder icon to the right of the field, then browse and select the Ubuntu 26.04 LTS ISO file that we downloaded earlier. The Type and Version fields will automatically fill to Linux and Ubuntu (64-bit) once the file is selected.
3. Check the Skip Unattended Installation option at the bottom of the page. If left unchecked, VirtualBox will directly run the Ubuntu installation automatically without showing the installer interface at all. Check this option so we can follow the installation process manually and understand each step.
4. Click Next to proceed to the Hardware page.
5. In the Hardware section, configure resource allocation:
   • Base Memory: Set to a minimum of 6144 MB (6 GB). This is the minimum amount recommended by Canonical for Ubuntu 26.04 LTS Desktop. Allocate 8 to 12 GB for a smoother experience if the host computer has 16 GB of RAM or more.
   • Processors: Set to 2 vCPUs. Two virtual CPUs are sufficient for daily desktop use.
6. Click Next to proceed to the Hard Disk page.
7. In the Hard Disk section, select Create a Virtual Hard Disk Now and set its size to 50 GB. VirtualBox will create a virtual disk file in VDI format (VirtualBox Disk Image) which by default is dynamically allocated, meaning the file will only take up host disk space equal to the data actually stored inside it, rather than taking 50 GB all at once.
8. Click Next, review the displayed VM configuration summary, then click Finish.

Our new VM now appears in the left panel of VirtualBox Manager.

6.2 Step-by-Step Installation Process

Ubuntu 26.04 LTS uses a Flutter-based installer introduced in Ubuntu 23.04. This installer features a modern look, a concise flow, and accessibility support that continues to be enhanced version over version. The installer uses the Subiquity backend behind its graphical interface, which is the same installation system used by Ubuntu Server.

6.2.1 Running the VM and Booting from ISO

1. Select the Ubuntu 26.04 LTS VM in VirtualBox Manager, then click the Start button (green arrow icon).
2. The VM will power on and immediately boot from the Ubuntu ISO file we attached earlier. A black screen will show briefly, followed by the GRUB menu with several options.
3. Select Try or Install Ubuntu in the GRUB menu, which is usually selected by default. Press Enter to proceed.
4. Ubuntu will load the system from the ISO into memory. This process takes about one to two minutes, depending on the host computer speed.

Note: VirtualBox will capture the mouse cursor and keyboard when the VM window is active. Press the Host Key to release control back to the host system, which by default is the Right Ctrl key on the keyboard. The VM window displays the Host Key status in the bottom right corner.

6.2.2 Language and Locale

The first installer page will appear after the system finishes loading, which is Choose your language.

1. Select Indonesian from the list of available languages if you want the Ubuntu interface in Indonesian, or English if you are more comfortable with English. Using English is often more helpful for learning purposes because most documentation, tutorials, and forum answers are available in English. Click Next to proceed.
2. The next page is Accessibility. This page offers options to enable features such as screen reader, zoom, high contrast, or larger text size if needed. Leave all options in their default state for standard use, then click Next.
3. The Keyboard layout page asks us to select the keyboard layout. Select English (US) for a standard keyboard, or adjust it to match the type of keyboard used. The test field at the bottom can be used to ensure the selected layout works properly. Click Next to proceed.
4. The Connect to the internet page gives the option to connect to a network before proceeding. An internet connection is usually available automatically; the installer will detect it thanks to VirtualBox default NAT network configuration. An internet connection allows Ubuntu to download updates and drivers during installation, but it is not mandatory. Select Do not connect to the internet to skip this step. Click Next.

6.2.3 Selecting Installation Method

6. The Try or Install Ubuntu page offers two choices:
   • Try Ubuntu: Runs Ubuntu directly from the ISO without installing anything to the disk. This option is useful for trying Ubuntu or testing hardware compatibility.
   • Install Ubuntu: Starts the installation process.
   Select Install Ubuntu and click Next.
7. The next page is Type of installation which offers two modes:
   • Interactive installation: The installer will guide us through each configuration step manually. This is the right choice for learning.
   • Automated installation: Used for mass installations using an autoinstall configuration file from a server. This option is a feature for advanced users and administrators.
   Select Interactive installation and click Next.

6.2.4 Installation Type: Default Selection vs Extended Selection

8. The Applications page asks us to select the software packages to include in the installation:
   • Default selection: Installs the web browser (Firefox), basic system utilities, and core GNOME applications. This option is more lightweight and recommended for most users. Additional applications can easily be installed via App Center or terminal after the system is running.
   • Extended selection: Installs everything in the default package, plus the LibreOffice office suite, multimedia applications, and various extra utilities. This option is useful if there is no stable internet access after installation and those applications are needed immediately.
   Select Default selection for the learning purposes of this series. Click Next.
9. The Optimise your computer page offers two third-party software options:
   • Install third-party software for graphics and Wi-Fi hardware: Installs proprietary drivers such as NVIDIA drivers and Wi-Fi drivers that are not available as open source software.
   • Download and install support for additional media formats: Installs multimedia codecs such as MP3, AAC, and popular video formats that are not included by default for licensing reasons.
   Skip this step. Click Next.

6.2.5 Disk Partitioning: Automatic and Manual

10. The Disk setup page is one of the most important stages in the installation because we determine how Ubuntu will use the available disk space. There are several options:
    • Erase disk and install Ubuntu: Ubuntu will use the entire disk, in this case the entire VirtualBox virtual disk, and erase all data on it. This option is the simplest and most appropriate for installation in a VM or on a computer whose disk is dedicated to Ubuntu.
    • Manual installation: We determine the partition layout manually ourselves.
    Select Erase disk and install Ubuntu for installation in a VM and click Next.
11. The Encryption and file system page provides disk encryption settings.
    • No encryption: Does not enable disk encryption.
    • Encrypt with passphrase: Enables disk encryption and requires us to enter a passphrase every time the computer powers on.
    • Use hardware-backed encryption: Enables encryption using hardware mechanisms.
    Select No encryption, then click Next.

What happens with automatic partitioning?
Ubuntu 26.04 LTS will create two partitions automatically when selecting Erase disk and install Ubuntu on a disk with UEFI firmware:

• EFI System Partition (ESP): Around 1 GB, formatted with FAT32. This partition stores boot loader files and is required for UEFI-based systems to boot the operating system.
• Root partition (/): The remaining disk space, formatted with ext4. The entire Linux system, including the operating system, applications, and user data, resides here.

Ubuntu 26.04 LTS uses a swap file inside the root partition instead of a separate swap partition as seen in earlier versions.

Manual Partitioning: A Quick Guide

Here is an example partitioning scheme commonly used for Ubuntu installation on a single-disk UEFI system if we want to understand how manual partitioning works:

Separating the /home partition makes future system reinstallations easier because user data resides on a different partition from the operating system. However, the automatic scheme is more than enough for VM learning purposes.

Note: Manual partitioning is only suitable for users who already understand disk partitioning concepts. Errors at this stage on real hardware can result in data loss. Use the automatic option first if you are still in the learning phase.

6.2.6 Creating User Account

12. The Create your account page asks us to fill in user account information:
    • Your name: Full name. The login screen will display this name.
    • Your computer's name: Computer name (hostname) to be used on the network, for example ubuntu-vm. Use lowercase letters, numbers, and hyphens only, and avoid spaces and special characters.
    • Your username: Username to log into the system, for example budi. Username must not contain spaces or capital letters.
    • Password: Create a strong password. Ubuntu will display a password strength indicator as we type it. Re-type the password in the Confirm password field to confirm.
    • Login options: Check Require my password to log in.
    Then click Next.

6.2.7 Timezone

13. The Select your timezone page displays a world map to select the timezone. The installer may have already detected our location and timezone automatically if connected to the internet.

Click on the map or type a city name in the search field to select the correct timezone. Select the following options for users in Indonesia:

• Asia/Jakarta for WIB (Western Indonesia Time)
• Asia/Makassar for WITA (Central Indonesia Time)
• Asia/Jayapura for WIT (Eastern Indonesia Time)

Click Next to proceed.

6.2.8 Review and Start Installation

14. The Ready to install page displays a summary of all configuration choices we made. Review each item, from language, keyboard layout, installation type, disk configuration, user account name, to timezone.
15. Use the Back button to return to previous pages if anything needs changing. Click Install to start the installation process if you are sure.
16. The installer will begin copying and configuring the system. The screen will display a slideshow showcasing various Ubuntu features as the process proceeds. Click the small icon in the bottom right corner of the installer window to view a more detailed installation log. The installation process usually takes 5 to 15 minutes, depending on computer speed and internet connection.
17. A dialog with the message Installation complete will appear after installation finishes. Click Restart Now to restart the VM.
18. The installer will prompt us to remove the installation medium as the VM begins restarting: Please remove the installation medium, then press ENTER. This usually happens automatically in a VM as VirtualBox unmounts the ISO file from the virtual drive. Press Enter to proceed.

6.3 First Time Logging into Ubuntu

The Ubuntu login screen with its clean and modern look will welcome us after the restart completes.

1. Click the username on the login screen, type the password created earlier, then press Enter or click the arrow icon. Wait a few moments while the GNOME Desktop loads the user session for the first time.
2. The Welcome to Ubuntu widget will appear on screen once inside the desktop. This widget offers several options that can be ignored. Proceed by clicking Next until Finish.
3. The Ubuntu 26.04 LTS GNOME Desktop will be fully visible after closing the welcome widget. A few items we can explore right away:
   • Dock on the left side of the screen contains shortcuts to frequently used applications, such as Firefox, Files (Nautilus), and App Center.
   • Top Bar at the top of the screen displays clock, system notifications, volume indicator, network, and user menu.
   • Press the Super key (Windows key) to open Activities Overview, which is a view showing all open windows and available workspaces, while also serving as an application search interface.

Note on Wayland:
GNOME 50 shipped with Ubuntu 26.04 LTS no longer provides a GNOME-on-X11 session; GNOME graphical sessions now run entirely on top of Wayland, while XWayland remains available as a compatibility layer for legacy X11 applications. For VM users, this generally causes no issues as long as VirtualBox Guest Additions are properly installed (see next section), though some features like auto-resolution may need manual activation via the View > Auto-resize Guest Display menu in the VirtualBox window.

6.3.1 Installing VirtualBox Guest Additions

The fresh Ubuntu desktop we just entered still runs at a fixed screen resolution and lacks seamless mouse integration with the host system. VirtualBox Guest Additions is a collection of drivers and utilities running inside the guest OS to improve integration between the VM and host computer, including automatic screen resolution, shared clipboard, file drag-and-drop, and shared folders. This package is not installed by default in Ubuntu, so it needs manual installation before it becomes truly comfortable for daily learning use.

First install the build-essential, dkms, and linux-headers packages required to compile Guest Additions kernel modules:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install build-essential dkms linux-headers-$(uname -r)

Proceed with the following steps in the VM window:

1. Select Devices > Insert Guest Additions CD Image... menu in the VirtualBox window. VirtualBox will insert the Guest Additions image file into the VM virtual optical drive.
2. Ubuntu usually displays a prompt to run the CD automatically. Click Run if this notification appears. If not, open Files, navigate to the VBox_GAs CD drive that appears, open a terminal in that location, then run:

sudo sh ./VBoxLinuxAdditions.run

3. Wait for kernel module compilation and installation to complete, then press Enter to close the terminal.
4. Restart the VM so the kernel loads the newly installed Guest Additions modules:

sudo reboot

Enable the View > Auto-resize Guest Display menu in the VirtualBox window after the VM powers back up. The VM window will automatically adjust the Ubuntu screen resolution to match the window size if Guest Additions are installed correctly.

Troubleshooting: A screen resolution that does not adjust automatically usually indicates that kernel module compilation failed because the linux-headers version does not match the running kernel. Run uname -r to check the active kernel version, ensure matching linux-headers packages are installed, then repeat the Guest Additions installation process.

6.4 System Updates After Installation

The first step to take after installing Ubuntu, or any Linux operating system, is updating the system. This update ensures we get the latest security patches, package updates, and performance improvements released since the ISO file was created.

6.4.1 Updating via Software Updater (GUI)

Ubuntu provides a graphical application named Software Updater for this purpose.

1. Press the Super key, type Software Updater, then press Enter.
2. Software Updater will check for available updates automatically and display a list of packages that need updating if updates are available.
3. Click Install Now to start the update process. Enter password if prompted and wait until the process completes.
4. Software Updater will request a system restart after completion if Linux kernel updates were included. Click Restart Now to restart.

6.4.2 Updating via Terminal

The most common method used by Linux users to update the system is through the terminal using the apt command. This method is also faster and provides full visibility into the process.

Open the terminal by pressing Ctrl+Alt+T or search for Terminal in the Activities Overview, then run the following two commands sequentially:

sudo apt update

This command instructs apt to contact all registered repositories and download updated information about available packages. This command does not install anything as its sole function is updating the package database on the computer.

sudo apt upgrade

This command compares installed packages on the system with the updated information just downloaded, then installs the latest versions of all packages with available updates. Type Y and press Enter to confirm when prompted with "Do you want to continue? [Y/n]".

Perform a restart after the process completes if kernel updates were included in the update list:

sudo reboot

Why use sudo? The apt update and apt upgrade commands modify protected system files and require administrative (root) privileges. The sudo (superuser do) command allows regular users to run specific commands with root privileges after typing their password. Chapter 22 will cover sudo concepts in greater depth.

The installation of Ubuntu 26.04 LTS (Resolute Raccoon) on VirtualBox is now complete. We now have a fully functioning Ubuntu system running GNOME 50 and Linux kernel 7.0, equipped with VirtualBox Guest Additions and an updated system. We are ready to start exploring the Linux desktop hands-on from this point onward. The next chapter will cover installing Fedora Workstation 44 using a different procedure sharing the same underlying principles.