I Use Ubuntu Linux and Love It

I'm going to try Linux Ubuntu on an old Dell E6320 that I borrowed from work. Not many options since the hard drive is totally wiped and I'd rather not spend any money on W7 or W10. For the most part it will be used as a test box for VMware VDI access (Horizon client for Linux avail), as I swap my current W7 test machine for the wife's Dell which has a broken screen hinge and wireless access has gone south after the last Windows update.

Using a MacBook pro and installing on a Dell Latitude E6320.

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BrewCityBarfly · M

Step 1: Downloaded the Ubuntu 16.04.4 LTS (Long Term Support) .iso to my hard drive.

BrewCityBarfly · M

Step 2: To create a bootable USB, downloaded the Ubuntu recommended software Etcher. Very easy to use. When it was done, comes up with a warning "The disk you inserted was not readable by this computer." which is supposedly Okay. Simply clicked "Eject". There are instructions for this using Windows on the Ubuntu site (nice instructs there).

BrewCityBarfly · M

Step 3: Inserted the USB into the Dell and started it up, hitting F12 to go into the startup menu. Selected the USB drive.

BrewCityBarfly · M

Note: Your mileage may vary here, so depends on what you're installing to.

Step 4: Comes up with the install screen. You can “Try Ubuntu” which doesn't change anything, but since there's nothing on this machine to begin with, I chose “Install Ubuntu”.

BrewCityBarfly · M

Step 5: Asked about “Wireless” and picked my 5G which is not secured. “Continue” to connect, then “Continue” again once established.

BrewCityBarfly · M

Step 6: Checked “Download updates while installing Ubuntu” and “Install third-party” because why not? Then “Continue”.

BrewCityBarfly · M

Step 7: I don't have an OS, so proceeded with the default “Erase disk and install Ubuntu” then “Install Now”. Pops up “Write the changes to disk?” which I clicked “Continue”.

BrewCityBarfly · M

Step 8: Came up with my time zone automatically (because I'm connect to the 'net) and clicked “Continue”.

Step 9: Select preferred Keyboard layout (I'm Emglish (US).

BrewCityBarfly · M

Step 10: Here's where you can name everything and enter a password. I have standard naming, but use whatever you want. I don't know if you can leave the password blank, I don't because I'd rather lock things down when not in use.

It's installing!

BrewCityBarfly · M

Step 11: Installation Complete and clicked “Restart Now”. Installation took about an hour from start to finish. Restarting. After restart, I was left with a blank screen and blinking cursor. I checked some of the help on Ubuntu, but noticed this may not be uncommon. I let that go for about 10 minutes, and then powered off, removed the USB and powered back on. Will report back on my thoughts with this thing later, but the bottom line, is I now have an operational (older) laptop.