Understanding Ubuntu 18.04 LTS
Ubuntu 18.04 LTS, also known as Bionic Beaver, is a long-term support release from Canonical, the company behind Ubuntu. This version was released in April 2018 and is the 28th release of Ubuntu. It is one of the most popular Linux distributions, known for its ease of use, stability, and strong community support. Ubuntu 18.04 LTS offers users a stable and secure operating system with five years of support, which includes updates and security patches.
Key Features of Ubuntu 18.04 LTS
Ubuntu 18.04 LTS brought several new features and improvements over its predecessors. Some of the key features include:
- GNOME Desktop Environment: Ubuntu 18.04 LTS marked a significant change in the default desktop environment, moving from Unity to GNOME.
- Improved Boot Speed: This release focused on improving boot times, making the system quicker to start up.
- Minimal Installation Option: Users could opt for a minimal installation, which provided a basic desktop environment with only essential software, reducing the footprint of the OS.
- Enhanced Security: With features like kernel hardening and secure boot support, Ubuntu 18.04 LTS emphasized security.
- Netplan: The introduction of Netplan for network configuration simplified the process of managing network settings.
Why Choose the 64-Bit Version?
The 64-bit version of Ubuntu 18.04 LTS, also known as the amd64 version, is designed for modern computers with 64-bit processors. This version can handle more memory efficiently, perform better in terms of speed, and offer enhanced security features compared to the 32-bit version. Most modern computers are compatible with the 64-bit architecture, making it the recommended choice for users looking to install Ubuntu 18.04 LTS.
Advantages of 64-Bit Ubuntu
- Memory Management: 64-bit systems can support more than 4GB of RAM, which is the limit for 32-bit systems.
- Performance: Applications that are optimized for 64-bit systems can perform better and more efficiently.
- Security: The 64-bit version supports newer security features, such as hardware-based No eXecute (NX) bit, which helps protect against certain types of malware.
Downloading Ubuntu 18.04 LTS 64-Bit ISO
Downloading the Ubuntu 18.04 LTS 64-bit ISO file is straightforward. The ISO file is a disk image that can be used to create a bootable USB drive or DVD, which in turn can be used to install Ubuntu on a computer.
Official Sources for Ubuntu 18.04 LTS ISO
The safest and most reliable source for downloading the Ubuntu 18.04 LTS ISO is the official Ubuntu website. Here are the steps to download the ISO file:
- Visit the official Ubuntu website at https://ubuntu.com/download/desktop.
- Scroll down to the section titled ‘Ubuntu 18.04 LTS’.
- Click on the ‘Download’ button for the 64-bit version.
- The download will start automatically, and you will receive an ISO file upon completion.
Verifying the Download
It is important to verify the downloaded ISO file to ensure that it has not been tampered with and is free from corruption. This can be done by checking the SHA256 checksum provided on the Ubuntu website against the checksum of the downloaded file.
Creating a Bootable USB Drive
Once you have the Ubuntu 18.04 LTS 64-bit ISO file, the next step is to create a bootable USB drive. This will allow you to install Ubuntu on your computer or use it in a live environment without installation.
Tools for Creating a Bootable USB
There are several tools available for creating a bootable USB drive from an ISO file. Some of the most popular include:
- Rufus: A free and open-source tool for Windows that is easy to use and supports various image formats.
- UNetbootin: A cross-platform tool that works on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- Etcher: A user-friendly, cross-platform tool that validates the burning process to ensure a successful creation of the bootable USB.
Steps to Create a Bootable USB with Rufus
Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating a bootable USB drive using Rufus:
- Download and open Rufus from https://rufus.ie/.
- Insert a USB drive into your computer.
- Select the USB drive in Rufus under ‘Device’.
- Click on ‘Select’ and choose the downloaded Ubuntu 18.04 LTS ISO file.
- Ensure the partition scheme is set to ‘GPT’ for UEFI systems or ‘MBR’ for legacy BIOS systems.
- Click ‘Start’ and wait for the process to complete.
Installing Ubuntu 18.04 LTS
With the bootable USB drive ready, you can proceed to install Ubuntu 18.04 LTS on your computer. The installation process is user-friendly and can be completed in a few steps.
Installation Steps
- Insert the bootable USB drive into the computer.
- Restart the computer and boot from the USB drive (you may need to access the boot menu or change the boot order in the BIOS/UEFI settings).
- Select ‘Install Ubuntu’ from the boot menu.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process, which includes setting up your location, keyboard layout, user account, and partitioning the hard drive.
- Once the installation is complete, restart the computer and remove the USB drive.
- Ubuntu 18.04 LTS should now boot up, and you can begin using your new operating system.
Post-Installation Tips
After installing Ubuntu 18.04 LTS, there are a few things you can do to enhance your experience and ensure that your system is up-to-date and secure.
Updating and Upgrading
It’s important to update and upgrade your system to receive the latest security patches and software updates. You can do this by opening the terminal and running the following commands:
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade
Installing Additional Drivers
Some hardware components may require proprietary drivers to function optimally. You can install additional drivers through the ‘Software & Updates’ application under the ‘Additional Drivers’ tab.
Customizing Your Environment
Ubuntu 18.04 LTS allows for extensive customization. You can change the appearance of your desktop, install new themes, and adjust settings to suit your preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ubuntu 18.04 LTS still supported?
Yes, Ubuntu 18.04 LTS is supported with updates and security patches until April 2023.
Can I upgrade from Ubuntu 16.04 LTS to Ubuntu 18.04 LTS?
Yes, you can upgrade directly from Ubuntu 16.04 LTS to Ubuntu 18.04 LTS. Canonical provides an upgrade path for LTS releases.
Does Ubuntu 18.04 LTS support Secure Boot?
Yes, Ubuntu 18.04 LTS supports Secure Boot, which helps to protect the system against boot-time malware.
Can I use Ubuntu 18.04 LTS on a virtual machine?
Yes, you can install Ubuntu 18.04 LTS on a virtual machine using software like VirtualBox or VMware.
What should I do if I encounter issues during installation?
If you encounter issues during installation, you can seek help from the Ubuntu community forums or check the official Ubuntu documentation for troubleshooting tips.
Conclusion
Ubuntu 18.04 LTS 64-bit is a robust and user-friendly operating system that offers a stable and secure computing experience. Whether you’re a seasoned Linux user or new to the platform, Ubuntu 18.04 LTS provides a solid foundation for your computing needs. With its long-term support, you can rely on consistent updates and a strong community to assist you along the way.
