1. What Is Ubuntu? A Beginner-Friendly Open-Source OS with Powerful Features
Ubuntu is one of the most popular Linux distributions used by countless users around the world. As an alternative to operating systems like Windows and macOS, it is widely adopted not only for personal use but also in businesses and educational institutions. Ubuntu is available for free, and because it is open source, users can modify and customize it as needed. It is supported by a broad range of users from beginners to advanced professionals, and is particularly popular in Japan thanks to the availability of the well-localized “Ubuntu Japanese Remix,” which includes extensive Japanese language support.
Three Reasons Why Ubuntu Is So Popular
Compared to other operating systems, Ubuntu offers several outstanding advantages. Here are three key reasons why it stands out.
- Free to Use with Excellent Cost Performance
Ubuntu is open source and can be used for free for both personal and commercial purposes. You can easily download and install it from the official website. It is frequently used for cutting-edge research and educational environments, allowing users to build practical systems while minimizing costs. - High Stability and Strong Security
Ubuntu offers an “LTS (Long Term Support)” version designed for enterprise use, which guarantees five years of security updates and maintenance. This makes it a trusted choice for servers in corporate environments, ensuring a secure deployment where reliability is critical. - Excellent Japanese Language Support
The Japanese Remix version includes the Japanese input system “Mozc” by default and offers comprehensive Japanese display support. Numerous online communities, forums, and Q&A sites exist to help users solve configuration and customization issues. Resources provided by the Ubuntu Japanese Team make Ubuntu especially comfortable for Japanese users.
Ubuntu Editions and Their Use Cases
Ubuntu provides multiple editions to meet a variety of needs, ranging from personal computers to corporate servers. The following three main editions allow users to select the right one based on their usage environment.
- Desktop Edition: Designed for general-purpose PCs, ideal for home use, office tasks, and development environments. Featuring a GUI (Graphical User Interface) similar to Windows and macOS, it enables intuitive operation. It comes with a browser, office suite, and media player pre-installed, so you can start using it immediately.
- Server Edition: Intended for businesses, educational organizations, and data centers. This version does not include a GUI and is optimized for command-line operation, making it suitable for advanced networking and data processing tasks. Using the LTS version ensures long-term security and stable operation.
- Japanese Remix Edition: Tailored specifically for Japanese users, developed by the Ubuntu Japanese Remix team. It includes enhanced Japanese display and input support, making it ideal for users new to Linux. Installation files can be downloaded from Japanese mirror servers such as Toyama University or JAIST, ensuring fast and stable downloads within Japan.
Thanks to these diverse editions, Ubuntu can be used in a wide variety of environments—from home usage and business tasks to development setups. Selecting the edition that matches your purpose allows you to fully leverage Ubuntu’s extensive capabilities.
2. What to Prepare Before Downloading
To install Ubuntu smoothly, you must first confirm the required system specifications and choose the appropriate version. This section explains the recommended hardware specs and version differences so you can make the best choice for your environment.
Required System Specifications
Although Ubuntu is known as a lightweight Linux OS, certain specifications are required for optimal performance. Below are the generally recommended system requirements for most editions.
- CPU: 64-bit processor (Intel or AMD)
- Memory: Minimum 2GB (4GB or more recommended)
- Storage: At least 25GB of free space (50GB or more recommended)
- Graphics: Capable of displaying 1024 × 768 resolution
- Network Connection: Required for updates and installing additional software
In particular, 4GB of RAM or more is recommended. If your PC does not meet these requirements, consider lightweight variants such as “Xubuntu” or “Lubuntu.” Refer to the official Ubuntu system requirements page for details.
How to Check Your System Specifications
Use the following methods to confirm whether your PC meets Ubuntu’s requirements:
- Windows: Go to “Start Menu” → “Settings” → “System” → “About” to check processor, memory, and whether your system is 32-bit or 64-bit.
- macOS: From the Apple menu, select “About This Mac” to view CPU, memory, and OS version details.
Differences Between Ubuntu Versions
Ubuntu offers multiple release types, each with different support periods and characteristics. Choosing the right release ensures a smoother Linux experience tailored to your needs.
LTS (Long Term Support) Edition
The LTS edition guarantees five years of security and maintenance updates. It is ideal for users who prioritize stability, such as in business or academic environments. Because major upgrades are not required frequently, it provides peace of mind and long-term usability. As of 2024, the latest LTS version is “Ubuntu 22.04 LTS.”
Regular Release Edition
This edition is ideal for users who want early access to the latest features. A new version is released approximately every six months, but its support period is shorter—about nine months. Developers and technology enthusiasts often choose this release to stay on the cutting edge.
Japanese Remix Edition
This version enhances Japanese localization, including the Mozc input system, making it easier for Japanese speakers to start using Ubuntu with minimal configuration. Since it can be downloaded from domestic mirror servers such as Toyama University or KDDI Research, file acquisition is fast and stable within Japan.
By completing these preparations, you will be ready to proceed to installation. The next section explains how to download Ubuntu.
3. How to Download Ubuntu
The easiest way to download Ubuntu is through the official website or Japanese mirror sites that offer localized versions. This section explains how to download Ubuntu from the official site, as well as how to obtain the Japanese Remix edition designed for enhanced Japanese language support.
Official Download Page
You can download the latest Ubuntu release or the current LTS (Long Term Support) edition directly from the official Ubuntu website. Downloading from the official source ensures that you receive a secure and verified installation file.
- Access the Official Website
Go to the Ubuntu official download page. The page lists different Ubuntu versions including Desktop, Server, and Cloud editions. - Select the Version
Choose the version that best fits your needs. For general home or office use, select “Desktop.” If you need long-term stability, choose an LTS edition like “Ubuntu 22.04 LTS.” For users who want to try the latest features, a regular release is also available. - Download the ISO File
Click “Download” to save the ISO image file to your computer. ISO files are typically over 1GB, so a stable internet connection is required.
Downloading the Japanese Remix Edition
The “Ubuntu Japanese Remix” is provided by the Ubuntu Japanese Team and includes built-in Japanese input and display support. Downloading from domestic mirror servers ensures fast and stable file transfers for users in Japan.
- Access the Ubuntu Japanese Team Download Page
Visit the Japanese Remix download page to view available versions and information. - Select a Domestic Mirror Site
Choose a mirror server located within Japan, such as Toyama University, JAIST (Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology), or KDDI Research. Select a server close to your region for faster access. - Save the ISO File
Click the mirror link to download the ISO file. The Japanese Remix version includes “ja” in the filename, making it easy to distinguish from the original edition.
Ubuntu is the modern, open source operating system on Lin…
Now that you’ve downloaded the required ISO file, the next step is to create installation media using a USB flash drive or DVD.
4. Creating Installation Media
To install Ubuntu, you must write the downloaded ISO file to a USB flash drive or DVD. USB installation is generally recommended because it is faster and supported on most systems. This section explains how to create a bootable USB drive using two popular Windows tools: “Rufus” and “Universal-USB-Installer.”
Preparing a USB Drive
You must write the ISO file in a bootable format. Below are the steps for two commonly used tools in Windows environments.
Creating a USB Installer with Rufus
“Rufus” is a lightweight and user-friendly utility for writing ISO images to USB drives.
- Download Rufus
Go to the Rufus official website and download the latest version. A portable version is also available. - Insert the USB Drive
Insert your USB flash drive and back up any important data. Rufus will erase all data during the writing process. - Configure Rufus
Launch Rufus and configure the settings as follows:
- Device: Select your USB flash drive
- Boot Selection: Choose “Disk or ISO image” and select your Ubuntu ISO
- Partition Scheme: Choose “GPT” for newer systems or “MBR” for older ones
- Click “Start” and wait for the writing process to complete
Creating a USB Installer with Universal-USB-Installer
“Universal-USB-Installer” is also widely used for creating USB installation media for many Linux distributions.
- Download the Installer
Go to the official website and download the latest version. - Select the USB Drive
Launch the tool and select your USB flash drive. - Select Ubuntu and ISO File
Choose “Ubuntu” from the drop-down menu and specify the ISO file you downloaded. - Create the USB Media
Click “Create” to begin writing. The process typically completes in a few minutes.
Booting from the USB Drive
To verify that the USB drive is bootable, restart your PC and configure the BIOS or UEFI settings to give boot priority to the USB device. If successful, your system will boot directly into the Ubuntu installation menu.
5. Installing Ubuntu
Once your installation media is ready, it’s time to begin installing Ubuntu. This section explains how to configure BIOS settings, start the installation, and complete the setup process.
Checking and Modifying BIOS Settings
- Access the BIOS
Turn on your PC and press the designated key (such as F2, Del, or Esc) repeatedly to access the BIOS settings. Refer to your PC manual if uncertain. - Change Boot Order
Under the “Boot” menu, place the USB drive at the top of the boot order. - Disable Secure Boot (if required)
Some PCs require Secure Boot to be disabled before installing Ubuntu. Disable it under the “Security” menu if needed.
Ubuntu Installation Steps
- Select Your Language
Choose the language you want to use during installation. - Choose the Installation Type
Selecting “Normal Installation” is recommended because it includes essential tools and drivers. - Select the Installation Disk
Choose the drive where Ubuntu will be installed. You may install Ubuntu alone or alongside another OS. - Configure Location and Time Zone
Choose your location to automatically apply regional settings. - Create a User Account
Set a username and password for Ubuntu login and administrative tasks. - Start Installation
Click “Install” to begin. The process may take several minutes. Once complete, remove the USB and reboot your PC.
Post-Installation Setup
After logging in, configure Japanese input if needed, and run the initial system update to apply the latest patches and improvements.
6. Troubleshooting
Although Ubuntu installation is straightforward, some errors may occur depending on your hardware and configuration. Here are common issues and their solutions.
Common Installation Errors
“No Boot Device Found”
- Solution: Check the boot device order in the BIOS and disable Secure Boot if necessary. On older PCs, enabling “Legacy Boot” may help.
Freezing or Slow Installation
- Solution: Ensure your system has at least 2GB of memory, preferably 4GB or more. Try using another USB port or USB 3.0 drive.
Snap Store Issues
- Solution: Run the following commands:
sudo snap refresh
sudo pkill snap-store
sudo snap refresh snap-storeJapanese Input Issues
- Solution: Go to “Settings” → “Region & Language” → “Input Sources” and add “Japanese (Mozc).” Restart if necessary.
Update Errors
- Solution: Run the following commands to update packages manually:
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgradeIf errors persist, switch to another mirror server under “Software & Updates.” A less congested mirror can resolve download issues.
7. Summary
Ubuntu is a powerful and highly customizable open-source operating system suitable for a wide range of users. This guide has explored Ubuntu’s key features, how to choose the right version, installation steps, and troubleshooting tips.
Benefits of Using Ubuntu
Ubuntu is free to use, offers five years of LTS support, and provides excellent Japanese localization with the Japanese Remix edition. You can install numerous open-source applications and adjust the system to your needs with ease.
Installation Tips
Before installing Ubuntu, check system requirements and prepare a USB drive. Adjust BIOS settings as needed and follow the troubleshooting tips to avoid common issues.
Start Exploring Ubuntu
Ubuntu opens the door to a flexible computing environment that differs from Windows and macOS. With access to tools like LibreOffice and GIMP, as well as easy setup for development languages like Python and JavaScript, Ubuntu is ideal for both everyday use and programming projects.
Take advantage of Ubuntu and enrich your daily workflow and learning experience. With extensive community support and abundant online resources, you can use Ubuntu with confidence long after installation.
