Teachers' toolkit for creating and re-purposing OER using FOSS/Installing Ubuntu - creating the FOSS platform

Introduction

Ubuntu GNU/Linux is a Linux based Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) Operating System (OS). Ubuntu installation is quite simple, and can be done by an average computer user.

Basic requirements

The minimum hardware required to install Ubuntu in a computer:

1. Minimum 40GB or above free space / separate partition.
2. Minimum 2GB RAM (4GB and above preferred)
3. DVD reader or USB port.
4. Electric power should be available during the installation process.

You will also need the Ubuntu software in a DVD or in a pen drive (as a boot-able USB device). You can download the software here.

Installation Process

If you are installing in a computer already in use, you should take a back-up of your data before installation.

Installing Ubuntu as a stand-alone Operating System

If your computer does not have any operating system, steps for installation are available in this document

Installing Ubuntu alongside the Microsoft Windows Operating System

You may have bought a new computer with Windows pre-installed, or you may want to install Ubuntu on your existing computer, which has had Windows on it already. Steps for installation are available in this document

Using Ubuntu without installation

You may be unable to install Ubuntu on your computer, or you may be using a computer belonging to your institution, which does not allow you to install Ubuntu. In such a case, you could use still Ubuntu, by connecting a with Ubuntu bootable pen drive or Ubuntu DVD to your computer and using the 'Live' option. In this method your existed Windows or whatever you use normall OS is unaffected after trying this and then rebooting.In this method, You can use all the installed applications in ubuntu, but generally run slower than usual because of lower read/write speed in USB sticks or DVD drive. And you can not save any working document with in the internal HDD in live mode.
Follow the below method to use live mode.

1. connect your Ubuntu pen drive or DVD
2. restart Your computer
3. Goto Boot menu and select your bootable device and press Enter.
4. In next screen, Slect live system option.
5. Done, now your system will use Ubuntu live system.
6. By removing bootable device, after restarting computer you will close the live session.

(Of course, you should discuss with your institution, the benefits of using FOSS tools and platforms and encourage and persuade them to be open to allowing staff to installing FOSS tools on their systems. Such installation can be done alongside other applications on the computers, so there is no flip side to this).

Using Ubuntu through 'Virtual Machine' option

VirtualBox allow you to run an Ubuntu operating system inside another operating system like windows.In this method also will not affect to the existed OS. Virtuall machine require a good hardware configuration to run smoothly, 4GB RAM, 50 GB free space and good latest processor. Follow the below steps to install Ubuntu in Virtual Machine.

1. Open VirtualBox and select New and a new window will Open. Give a name for your OS.
2. Set your Memory (RAM) for Ubuntu (min 2GB)
3. Click next to get virtual machine storage size window. Put how much HDD space you need for Ubuntu (min 35 GB)and finish the wizard by clicking the create button.
4. On VirtualBox main window, select start and select your Ubuntu MEDIA SOURCE.
5. Finish the installation as explained in above.
6. Remove your installation media from the virtual optical disk drive before restarting the VM.