Ubuntu Installation Guide for Mac

From Mac OS X

How to burn a DVD on OS X

Step 1 : Launch 'Disk Utility' (Applications → Utilities → Disk Utility).

Step 2 : Insert your blank DVD.

Step 3 : Drag and drop your .iso file to the left pane in Disk Utility. Now both the blank disc and the .iso should be listed.

Step 4 : Select the .iso file, and click on the 'Burn' button in the toolbar.

Step 5 : Ensure that the 'Verify burned data' checkbox is ticked (you may need to click on the disclosure triangle to see the checkbox).

Step 6 : Click 'Burn'. The data will be burned and verified.

How to create a bootable USB stick on OS X

Step 1 : Download Ubuntu Desktop

Step 2 : Open the Terminal (in /Applications/Utilities/ or query Terminal in Spotlight).

Step 3 : Convert the .iso file to .img using the convert option of hdiutil e.g.,

hdiutil convert -format UDRW -o ~/path/to/target.img ~/path/to/ubuntu.iso

Note: OS X tends to put the .dmg ending on the output file automatically.

Step 4 : Run

diskutil list

to get the current list of devices.

Step 5 : Insert your flash media.

Step 6 : Run

diskutil list

again and determine the device node assigned to your flash media (e.g. /dev/disk2).

Step 7 : Run

diskutil unmountDisk /dev/diskN

(replace N with the disk number from the last command; in the previous example, N would be 2).

Step 8 : Execute

sudo dd if=/path/to/downloaded.img of=/dev/rdiskN bs=1m

(replace /path/to/downloaded.img with the path where the image file is located; for example, ./ubuntu.img or ./ubuntu.dmg).

• Using /dev/rdisk instead of /dev/disk may be faster
• If you see the error dd: Invalid number '1m', you are using GNU dd. Use the same command but replace bs=1m with bs=1M
• If you see the error dd: /dev/diskN: Resource busy, make sure the disk is not in use. Start the 'Disk Utility.app' and unmount (don't eject) the drive

Step 9 : Run

diskutil eject /dev/diskN

and remove your flash media when the command completes.

Step 10 : Restart your Mac and press alt/option key while the Mac is restarting to choose the USB stick.

Installation Guide Ubuntu 14.04 LTS 

Step 1: Using a DVD?

It’s easy to install Ubuntu from a DVD. Here’s what you need to do:

Put the Ubuntu DVD into the DVD-drive

Restart your computer. You should see a welcome screen prompting you to choose your language and giving you the option to install Ubuntu or try it from the DVD.

If you don’t get this menu, read the booting from the DVD guide for more information.

Using a USB drive?

Most newer computers can boot from USB. You should see a welcome screen prompting you to choose your language and giving you the option to install Ubuntu or try it from the USB.

If your computer doesn’t automatically do so, you might need to press theF12 key to bring up the boot menu, but be careful not to hold it down - that can cause an error message.

Step 2 : Prepare to install Ubuntu

• We recommend you plug your computer into a power source
• You should also make sure you have enough space on your computer to install Ubuntu
• We advise you to select Download updates while installing and Install this third-party software now
• You should also stay connected to the internet so you can get the latest updates while you install Ubuntu
• If you’re not connected to the internet, we’ll help you set up wireless at the next step

Step 3: Set up wireless

If you are not connected to the internet, you will be asked to select a wireless network, if available. We advise you to connect during the installation so we can ensure your machine is up to date. So, if you set up your wireless network at this point, it’s worth then clicking the Back button to go back to the last screen (Preparing to install Ubuntu) and ticking the box marked ’Download updates while installing’.

Step 4: Allocate drive space

Use the checkboxes to choose whether you’d like to Install Ubuntu alongside another operating system, delete your existing operating system and replace it with Ubuntu, or — if you’re an advanced user — choose the ’Something else’ option

Step 5: Begin the installation

Depending on your previous selections, you can now verify that you have chosen the way in which you would like to install Ubuntu. The installation process will begin when you click the Install Now button.

Ubuntu needs about 4.5 GB to install, so add a few extra GB to allow for your files.

Step 6: Select your location

If you are connected to the internet, this should be done automatically. Check your location is correct and click ’Forward’ to proceed. If you’re unsure of your time zone, type the name of the town you’re in or click on the map and we’ll help you find it.

Step 7: Select your preferred keyboard layout

Click on the language option you need. If you’re not sure, click the ’Detect Keyboard Layout’ button for help.

Step 8: Enter your login and password details

Step 9: Learn more about Ubuntu while the system installs…

Step 10: That’s it.

All that’s left is to restart your computer and start enjoying Ubuntu!