1. What is Ubuntu? The Appeal of an Open-Source OS That’s Beginner-Friendly
Ubuntu is one of the popular Linux distributions used by users around the world. As an operating system option alongside Windows and Mac, Ubuntu is adopted not only for personal use but also by businesses and educational institutions. Ubuntu is offered for free and, being open-source, it provides users with the flexibility to customize. Furthermore, it is supported by a wide range of users from beginners to advanced, and thanks to the “Ubuntu Japanese Remix version” that offers strong Japanese-language support, it is also popular among Japanese users.
Three Reasons Ubuntu is Chosen
Compared with other operating systems, Ubuntu has several excellent features. Below we introduce the three key points worth noting.
- High cost-performance with free usage
Ubuntu is open-source and therefore is basically free for both personal and commercial use. It can be downloaded and installed easily from the official site. Especially in cases of research into latest technologies or educational purposes, many use it to set up a practical environment while minimizing cost. - High stability and security
Ubuntu provides a “Long Term Support (LTS)” version which guarantees long-term support for 5 years and regular security updates. This makes it trusted even for server use in businesses where risk management is demanded. - Japanese-language environment and abundant support
The Japanese Remix version comes standard with Japanese input software “Mozc” and offers full Japanese display support. There are many online communities such as Japanese forums and Q&A sites where you can immediately get help with settings and customizations. Especially since the Ubuntu Japanese Team provides rich Japanese-language resources, Japanese-language users can use it comfortably.
Ubuntu’s Use-Cases and Version Overview
Ubuntu offers versions corresponding to various needs, and it is widely used from personal PCs to enterprise servers. Mainly there are the following three versions, and you can choose according to your purpose.
- Desktop version: The version for general PCs, suitable for home use, office work, or development environments. It uses a GUI (graphical user interface) similar to Windows or Mac, allowing intuitive operation. A browser, office software, multimedia player etc. are standard, so you can start using it immediately.
- Server version: The version provided for enterprises, educational institutions and data centers for server purposes. The server version omits a GUI and is designed around command-line operation, making it optimal for advanced network management and data processing. Using the LTS version ensures long-term operation and security updates.
- Japanese Remix version: An optimized version for Japanese users, developed by the Ubuntu Japanese Remix team. It offers robust support for Japanese input and display, and is ideal for Japanese-language users using Linux for the first time. Because it can be downloaded from domestic mirror sites (such as Toyama University or Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology), you can get the installation file with stable connection.
Thanks to these diverse versions, Ubuntu enables usage suited to user needs from home use, enterprise operations, to development environments. Selecting the appropriate version allows you to make the most of Ubuntu’s rich capabilities.
2. What to Prepare Before Downloading
To smoothly install Ubuntu, it is important to check the required system specifications in advance and choose the appropriate version. In this section we explain the recommended hardware specs and version characteristics so that the user can make the optimal choice.
Required System Specifications
Ubuntu is known as a lightweight Linux OS, but to operate comfortably a certain level of specs is necessary. Below are the commonly recommended system requirements for each version.
- CPU: 64-bit compatible processor (Intel or AMD)
- Memory: Minimum 2 GB (Recommended 4 GB or more)
- Storage: 25 GB or more free space (Recommended 50 GB or more)
- Graphics Card: One supporting resolution 1024×768 or higher
- Network Connection: Internet connection required for updates and additional software after installation
In particular the memory capacity is recommended to be 4 GB or more. If the specs do not meet this baseline, you may include lightweight variants of Ubuntu such as “Xubuntu” or “Lubuntu” as alternatives. For each version’s requirements and verified operations, you can also refer to the official Ubuntu system requirements page.
How to Check Your System Specs
To confirm whether your PC meets Ubuntu’s requirements, try the following methods.
- On Windows: In the Start menu → Settings → System → About, check processor, memory, system type (32-bit or 64-bit).
- On Mac: In the Apple menu → About This Mac, you can check CPU, memory, OS version etc.
Differences Among Ubuntu Versions & How to Choose
Ubuntu offers multiple versions, each with different support periods and characteristics. By selecting based on usage scenarios, you can utilize Ubuntu more comfortably.
LTS (Long Term Support) Version
The LTS version (“Long Term Support”) is guaranteed for long-term support (5 years). It is suitable for users who prioritise stability such as businesses or educational institutions. After installation you will not need frequent major updates, and you can use it with confidence from security aspects. As of 2024, the latest LTS version is “Ubuntu 22.04 LTS”.
Release Version (Standard Version)
The release version is meant for users who want to try the latest technologies and features as soon as possible. A new version is released approximately every 6 months, and the support period is about 9 months. Because you can always experience the latest features, it is suited for developers and technology enthusiasts.
Japanese Remix Version
The Japanese Remix version is specially configured for users in Japan, with a focus on the Japanese-language environment. Compared to the standard Ubuntu, support for Japanese display and input is enhanced, and Japanese input system “Mozc” is included as standard. It is especially convenient for Japanese-language-centric users and requires fewer additional settings after installation. Moreover, as it can be downloaded from domestic mirror sites such as Toyama University or KDDI Research Institute, you can obtain installation files with a stable connection.
By carrying out these preparations in advance, you can proceed smoothly from download to installation. In the next section we explain the actual download procedure.
3. Ubuntu Download Procedure
To download Ubuntu, using the official site or mirror sites provided in Japan makes the process smoother. Here we explain in detail the download method from the official site and the download procedure for the “Japanese Remix version”, which has enhanced Japanese-language environment support.
Official Download Site Guide
You can download the latest version of Ubuntu or the LTS version (“long-term support version”) directly from the official site. Using the official site allows you to obtain the latest installation files with no security risk, hence providing a high reliability download.
- Access the official site
First, access the Ubuntu official download page. On this page the versions for desktop, server, cloud etc. are listed according to usage. - Select the version
Choose the version according to your needs. For home or office use choose “Desktop”, and if you need stable support choose an LTS version like “Ubuntu 22.04 LTS”. If you wish to try the latest features you can choose a release version. - Download the ISO file
After selecting the required version, click “Download” and save the Ubuntu installation image (ISO file) to your PC. Since the ISO file is more than 1 GB in size, a stable internet connection is desirable for the download.
Japanese Remix Version Download
The “Ubuntu Japanese Remix version”, optimized for Japanese-language environments, is provided by the Ubuntu Japanese Team and offers initial support for Japanese display and input. Because it can be downloaded from domestic mirror servers it is smooth and convenient for Japanese users.
- Access the Ubuntu Japanese Team site
Visit the Ubuntu Japanese Team’s download page and check details of the Japanese Remix version. - Select a domestic mirror site
The download page lists domestic mirror servers (for example: Toyama University, Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, KDDI Research Institute). Choose a mirror site that suits your region or internet environment and obtain the installation files with a stable connection. - Save the ISO file
Click the link for the selected mirror site and save the ISO file. The file name of the Japanese Remix version includes “ja” so it is easy to distinguish from the original version. Because Japanese-language settings will proceed smoothly after installation, this is especially recommended for users working in a Japanese-language environment.
With this you have completed the download procedures for both the official site and the Japanese Remix version. In the next section we explain how to create installation media using the downloaded ISO file.
4. Creating Installation Media
To install Ubuntu you need to write the downloaded ISO file to a USB memory stick or DVD and use it as installation media. Especially when using a USB memory stick because operation is simple and many environments support it, it is generally recommended. In this section we explain how to create installation media using USB media. We use the two Windows-friendly tools “Rufus” and “Universal-USB-Installer” as examples and explain the steps.
How to Prepare USB Media
To prepare a USB media as an installation disk you must write the ISO file in a bootable format. Below are the steps mainly used in Windows environment tools “Rufus” and “Universal-USB-Installer”.
Creating USB media using Rufus
“Rufus” is evaluated as a lightweight and easy-to-use tool that allows you to write Ubuntu’s ISO file to a USB memory stick easily on Windows. Here are its steps.
- Install Rufus
First, access the Rufus official site and download the latest version to install. Rufus also has a portable version so you can use it immediately. - Insert the USB memory stick
Insert the USB stick into the PC and back up internal data. Because during Rufus’s writing process the USB memory stick’s data will be erased, make sure essential files are saved somewhere else. - Launch Rufus and configure settings
Launch Rufus and perform the following settings.
- Device: Select the inserted USB memory stick.
- Boot selection: Choose “Disk or ISO image (Select)”, then specify the downloaded Ubuntu ISO file.
- Partition scheme: For modern PCs choose “GPT”, for older PCs choose “MBR”. This determines correct partition format for the USB stick.
- Once configuration is complete, click “Start” to begin writing, then wait a few minutes until completion.
Creating USB media using Universal-USB-Installer
“Universal-USB-Installer” is also a popular tool compatible with many Linux distributions, and allows you to create USB media easily with intuitive operations.
- Download Universal-USB-Installer
Access the Universal-USB-Installer official site and download the latest installer. - Select the USB memory stick
Launch Universal-USB-Installer and specify the USB stick you will use. Make sure the USB stick is inserted in the PC. - Specify OS and ISO file
From the pull-down menu select “Ubuntu”, then click “Browse” to select the downloaded ISO file. Also, by setting a persistence data area you can save some data while using the media for installation. - Start the creation
Once settings are complete, click “Create” to begin installation media creation. It will complete in a few minutes; when done click “Done” to exit the tool.
Writing and Verifying the ISO File
To confirm the created USB media is bootable, insert the USB memory stick and restart the PC, then in BIOS or UEFI settings select the USB memory as the highest-priority boot device. If the installation media works properly, the PC will boot from the USB memory stick and the Ubuntu installation screen will appear.
With these steps the installation media has been completed successfully. In the next section we detail how to install Ubuntu using the USB media.
5. Installation Procedure
Once the installation media is ready, let’s begin the actual Ubuntu installation. Here we explain the BIOS settings required to boot a PC from a USB media and the specific steps in the Ubuntu installation screen. By performing each step one by one, the Ubuntu installation will complete smoothly.
Confirming and Changing BIOS Settings
To begin Ubuntu installation, first you need to change the BIOS settings so that the PC can boot from the USB memory stick. The method to access BIOS settings and menu displays vary by PC manufacturer, so below we introduce general steps.
- Power on the PC and access BIOS
Power on the PC and repeatedly press the key designated by the manufacturer (for example: F2, Del, Esc) to access the BIOS settings screen. Since this differs by PC maker and model, refer to the manual or official support page for details. - Change the boot device order
In the BIOS screen locate the “Boot” tab and change the boot device priority. Typically the hard disk is set first, but set the USB memory stick to be read first. After completing the setting save changes and exit BIOS. - Disable Secure Boot (if necessary)
Some PCs have “Secure Boot” enabled which may interfere with Ubuntu installation. From the BIOS “Security” or similar menu disable “Secure Boot” and save the setting.
Ubuntu Installation Steps
When BIOS settings are complete the PC boots from the USB media and the Ubuntu installation screen will appear. Proceed with the following steps.
- Select language
First choose the language to use. If you want a Japanese-language environment select “Japanese” and click “Install Ubuntu” to begin installation. - Select installation type
On the screen where you choose the installation method we recommend “Normal installation”. This option includes necessary drivers and multimedia codecs and supports smooth operation. If needed check “Install updates and third-party software” so that additional packages are installed during initial setup. - Select disk for installation
Next choose the drive to install Ubuntu. If you use a dedicated drive choose “Erase disk and install Ubuntu”, and if you want to co-exist with another OS select “Something else” (manual partitioning). If co-existing with another OS we recommend backing up existing data. - Configure location and time zone
On the screen for location settings select Japan to automatically apply the time zone and regional settings. This reflects the correct time and location. - Set user information
Set the username and password to use with Ubuntu. The password will be needed to log in and for operations requiring administrator privileges, so choose something memorable. - Start installation
Click “Install” to begin Ubuntu installation. It will take a few to several tens of minutes to complete. After installation finishes you will be prompted to restart the PC, so remove the USB memory stick and click “Restart”.
Initial Setup After Installation
After the Ubuntu installation completes and the initial login screen is displayed, perform the initial setup. In particular, check Japanese-language input if applicable and execute the system’s first update. If the internet connection is established, performing the first update applies the latest security patches and software.
With this the Ubuntu installation process is complete. In the next section we cover troubleshooting situations you may face after installation.
6. Troubleshooting
While Ubuntu installation is relatively simple, errors may occur depending on the environment or settings. In this section we introduce common troubles and solutions. Knowing these will help you proceed smoothly from installation to setup.
Common Installation Errors and Their Solutions
“No bootable device found” Error
If you see a “No bootable device found” error when starting Ubuntu installation, the boot priority setting in BIOS is often the cause.
- Solution:
Access BIOS settings and check the boot device priority. Set the USB memory as the first priority. If necessary disable “Secure Boot”. On older PCs switching to “Legacy Boot” may also resolve the problem.
Installation freezes or slow progress
If during installation the screen freezes or progresses slowly, insufficient memory or slow USB memory may be the cause.
- Solution:
Check if you have 2 GB or more memory. If possible, switch the USB memory to another port. Trying a different USB memory stick may also improve speed. Using a fast USB 3.0 is also recommended.
Errors related to “Snap Store”
After installation the Ubuntu “Snap Store” (Ubuntu Software) may fail to launch properly. This may be caused by the Snap Store update being incomplete.
- Solution:
Open a terminal and execute the following commands. These commands refresh and restart the Snap Store.
sudo snap refresh
sudo pkill snap-store
sudo snap refresh snap-storeAfter executing the commands restart the Snap Store and check if the problem is resolved.
Problems with Japanese-language Input Settings
Immediately after installation you may find Japanese input unavailable or garbled characters during input. This is often due to the Japanese input source not being properly configured.
- Solution:
In Ubuntu open “Settings” → “Region & Language” → “Input Sources”. If Japanese input is not added, add “Japanese (Mozc)”. This enables Japanese input. After setting, a reboot often makes it work properly.
Errors Related to Updates
After installation when you execute “Software Updater”, errors may appear. These are often related to internet connection or package compatibility.
- Solution:
Open a terminal and try the manual update with the following commands. This often resolves dependency errors.
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgradeIf the issue still persists, change the mirror server from “Software & Updates” settings and run the update again. If a server is congested, choosing a different server may allow a smoother update.
Use these troubleshooting methods to proceed smoothly with Ubuntu installation and setup. In the next section we summarise the points for making maximum use of Ubuntu after installation.
7. Conclusion
Ubuntu is an open-source operating system with excellent stability and customizability, suitable for a wide range of users from beginners to advanced. In this article we explained Ubuntu’s overview, download, installation steps, and troubleshooting in detail, following a sequential structure. Here we revisit the points for introduction and share a few hints to effectively use Ubuntu.
Benefits of Introducing Ubuntu
Ubuntu is offered for free and its stable LTS version provides 5 years of support, so you can build a reliable environment while keeping costs low. Also by choosing the Japanese Remix version you get strong Japanese-language environment support, making it easier for beginners and Japanese-language users. Furthermore, leveraging the power of open-source means you can freely install and use many open-source software, flexibly customizing the environment based on your needs.
Key Points for Installation and Initial Setup
To smoothly install Ubuntu you should check system requirements in advance and choose a version appropriate for your purpose. Also preparing USB media and properly configuring BIOS settings helps installation proceed more smoothly. Using the troubleshooting section as reference and preparing for common errors will help you in unexpected situations. After installation completion, finalize settings like Japanese input and updates to get a comfortable working environment.
Start a New Experience with Ubuntu
By introducing Ubuntu you can experience a free OS environment different from Windows or Mac. Ubuntu supports many open-source applications such as “LibreOffice” or “GIMP”, which are useful for office work or image editing. Also you can easily set up development environments for languages such as Python or JavaScript, making it ideal for developers. Furthermore, because Ubuntu regularly provides security patches you can use it long-term with peace of mind.
Make effective use of Ubuntu to enrich your daily work or learning. With a large user community and online support, you can easily resolve doubts or troubles after introduction and continue using Ubuntu with confidence.
