Chapter 3. Before Installing Ubuntu 3.1. Overview of the Installation Process This chapter deals with the preparation for installing Ubuntu before you even boot the installer. This includes backing up your data, gathering information about your hardware, and locating any necessary information. First, just a note about re-installations. With Ubuntu, a circumstance that will require a complete re- installation of your system is very rare; perhaps mechanical failure of the hard disk would be the most common case. Many common operating systems may require a complete installation to be performed when critical failures take place or for upgrades to new OS versions. Even if a completely new installation isn’t required, often the programs you use must be re-installed to operate properly in the new OS. Under Ubuntu, it is much more likely that your OS can be repaired rather than replaced if things go wrong. Upgrades never require a wholesale installation; you can always upgrade in-place. And the programs are almost always compatible with successive OS releases. If a new program version requires newer supporting software, the Ubuntu packaging system ensures that all the necessary soft- ware is automatically identified and installed. The point is, much effort has been put into avoiding the need for re-installation, so think of it as your very last option. The installer is not designed to re-install over an existing system. Here’s a road map for the steps you will take during the installation process. If you have problems during the installation, it helps to know which packages are involved in which steps. Introducing the leading software actors in this installation drama: The installer software, debian-installer , is the primary concern of this manual. It detects hardware and loads appropriate drivers, uses dhcp-client to set up the network connection, runs debootstrap to install the base system packages, and runs tasksel to allow you to install certain 14 12. Load the newly installed system for the first time. 11. Install a boot loader which can start up Ubuntu and/or your existing system. 10. Watch the automatic download/install/setup of the base system . 9. Create and mount the partitions on which Ubuntu will be installed. 8. Activate the ethernet network connection, if available. 7. Select the installation language. 6. Boot the installation system. 5. Set up boot media such as CDs/DVDs/USB sticks or provide a network boot infrastructure from which the installer can be booted. 4. Locate and/or download the installer software and any specialized driver or firmware files your machine requires. 3. Create partitionable space for Ubuntu on your hard disk. 2. Gather information about your computer and any needed documentation, before starting the in- stallation. 1. Back up any existing data or documents on the hard disk where you plan to install.