How to install Ubuntu Studio
In this month's flavour of the month we'll show you how to install Ubuntu Studio – a flavor of Ubuntu dedicated to multimedia creation. This flavor includes all the best open source multimedia software for all your needs, from simple image editing to video creation, so you can make the most of your Ubuntu PC.
Written by Robert Clipsham
Ubuntu Studio uses the alternate install method, so unfortunately you can't use it as a Live CD. If you don't have experience in using a textual user interface, there is a guide to the keys you'll need at the bottom of each step, so if you get stuck, just look down! Basically you use the arrow keys to select an option, then press enter to select it.
The first step once you've chosen 'Install in text mode' is to choose your preferred language, followed by your country in the next step. You will then get the default alternate install keyboard detector.
Select yes (the default option), then press the keys it says if you have them.
After keyboard detection, the first of the hardware detection screens appears. This detects your hardware so it can install the correct drivers for your system. There will be several of these throughout the install, so don't worry if I don't point them out.
In the next step you must choose a hostname for your system. This should be something to easily identify your PC on a network, e.g. 'family-desktop'. If you don't have a home network it doesn't matter, just enter a fun name of your choice.
The next step is to partition your hard drive.
This can be done in the usual way, and if you aren't sure, you can cancel the installation and ask someone. The option you choose here varies depending on your circumstances, so go for the one that looks right. As always, I must stress the importance of backing up important data before going past this step!
When you get to the end of the partitioning section of the install it will display a summary of all your partitioning options, so you'll be able to check if anything looks wrong.
Continuing the installation, you'll be asked whether the system time is set to UTC. If you are unsure, just go for the default of yes, and if it turns out to be wrong you can change it later. Once you've decided, you can move onto user setup.
In the user setup you will need to enter your real name, a username and the user's password. This user will be the system administrator, and have full access to the system, so choose a secure password.
The installer will now install the base Ubuntu system with your settings.
Once the base system is installed, you will be asked about additional packages to install.
Use the space bar to select multiple items, then continue. Make sure you install the 'Ubuntu Studio Desktop' option – if you don't do this then you will not get a graphical user interface when you restart after the install! The installer will now finalize the installation, then prompt you to restart.
Once you have restarted you will get the Ubuntu Studio login screen, where you can enter your username and password.
Now you can start creating!
