How to Install Linux on Ubuntu?

Are you an Ubuntu user looking to install another Linux distribution alongside it? Or perhaps you’re a beginner wanting to explore Linux but want to do it safely within an environment you’re familiar with? Install Linux on Ubuntu is a great way to dive deeper into the world of Linux while keeping Ubuntu as your primary operating system. Whether you’re installing a new distribution, setting up a dual-boot system, or simply experimenting with different versions, this guide will walk you through every step of the process.

Table of Contents

In this article, we will explain how to install Linux on Ubuntu using various methods: from the command line to using a USB stick, and even installing Linux alongside Ubuntu for dual-booting. By the end of this guide, you’ll have all the information you need to make your installation process as smooth as possible.

What is Ubuntu?

Before we dive into the installation process, let’s take a quick moment to understand what Ubuntu is. Ubuntu is a popular Linux distribution known for its ease of use, user-friendly interface, and a strong community of developers. Based on Debian, Ubuntu provides an accessible environment for both beginners and advanced users. It offers regular updates, a large collection of software packages, and excellent compatibility with hardware.

Ubuntu’s user-friendly nature makes it an ideal starting point for those new to Linux. However, many users may want to expand their horizons by installing different Linux distributions or setting up multi-boot systems, and that’s where this guide will help.

Why Install Linux on Ubuntu?

There are several reasons why you might want to install another Linux distribution on your Ubuntu system. These include:

Experimenting with Different Distributions: Installing different versions of Linux allows you to explore the many flavors of Linux without the need for additional hardware.
Learning and Testing: If you’re a developer or just a Linux enthusiast, installing Linux on Ubuntu allows you to test new software, distributions, or even different desktop environments.
Dual-Booting for Productivity: Running multiple Linux distributions on a single machine can be helpful for testing different setups or workflows.
Dual-Boot with Windows: You can install Linux alongside Windows and switch between the two operating systems as needed.

Now that you understand why it’s useful, let’s dive into how to install Linux on Ubuntu.

Prerequisites for Install Linux on Ubuntu

Before we start, you’ll need a few things to get started:

Ubuntu System: Ensure you have a working installation of Ubuntu.
A New Linux Distribution: Whether it’s Fedora, Debian, Arch, or any other distribution, make sure you download the ISO file of the Linux version you wish to install.
Sufficient Disk Space: Make sure you have enough free space on your disk for the installation.
USB Drive (if using USB installation): A USB stick with at least 4GB of space (for USB installations).
Backup of Important Data: Always back up important data before making any changes to your system.

Once you have everything ready, let’s look at the methods to install Linux on Ubuntu.

How to Install Linux on Ubuntu via Command Line?

One of the easiest ways to install software on Ubuntu is via the APT (Advanced Package Tool) command line tool. You can use APT to install a wide range of Linux packages, including new distributions, desktop environments, or specific software.

Using APT to Install Linux Packages

Open Terminal: Press Ctrl + Alt + T to open the terminal.
Update Your Package Lists: sudo apt update
Install the Desired Package: Use the apt command to install the software you want. For example, if you want to install the Lubuntu desktop environment, you can use the following command: sudo apt install lubuntu-desktop This will install the Lubuntu desktop environment alongside Ubuntu.
Complete the Installation: Follow the prompts to complete the installation. After the installation, you may need to restart your system for the changes to take effect.

Installing New Linux Distributions via PPA

For certain Linux distributions or desktop environments, you can also add a Personal Package Archive (PPA) and install directly from there. To add a PPA:

Add the PPA: sudo add-apt-repository ppa:some/ppa sudo apt update
Install the Package: sudo apt install new-package

This method works for distributions and environments that are available in PPAs, such as Kubuntu or Xubuntu.

How to Install Linux on Ubuntu Using a USB Stick?

If you’re looking to install a completely new Linux distribution on your Ubuntu system, using a bootable USB stick is one of the most common methods.

Creating a Bootable USB

Download the Linux Distribution ISO: Head to the official website of the Linux distribution you want to install and download the ISO file.
Create the Bootable USB: Use a tool like Rufus (for Windows) or Startup Disk Creator (for Ubuntu) to create a bootable USB.
- In Ubuntu, open Startup Disk Creator, select the downloaded ISO, and choose the USB drive. Click Make Startup Disk.
- In Windows, you can use Rufus:
  - Select the ISO file and your USB drive.
  - Click Start to create the bootable drive.

Installing Linux from USB on Ubuntu

Insert the USB Stick: Plug the USB stick with the Linux distribution into your Ubuntu system.
Restart the Computer: Reboot your system and press the boot menu key (usually F12, Esc, or Del depending on your system) to boot from the USB.
Install Linux: Once you boot into the Linux distribution, follow the on-screen instructions to install it on your hard drive.
Partition Your Disk: During installation, you’ll be prompted to partition your disk. Make sure to select the appropriate options to avoid overwriting Ubuntu if you’re installing another Linux distro alongside it.

How to Install Linux on Ubuntu for Dual-Booting?

Installing Linux alongside Ubuntu allows you to have a dual-boot system, where you can choose which OS to boot into when starting your machine.

Setting Up a Dual-Boot System

Create Free Space: Before installing the new Linux distribution, you’ll need free space on your hard drive. You can shrink the Ubuntu partition using the GParted tool or Ubuntu’s built-in disk management tool.
Create a New Partition: After shrinking Ubuntu’s partition, create a new partition for the Linux distribution you plan to install.

Partitioning Your Drive

Open GParted (Install it if necessary using sudo apt install gparted).
Resize your Ubuntu partition to free up space for the new OS.
Create a new ext4 partition and mark it as Primary.

Booting into Multiple Linux Distributions

Once the new Linux distribution is installed, your computer will show a GRUB menu (a bootloader) allowing you to select which OS to boot into. You can choose either Ubuntu or the newly installed Linux distribution each time you restart your computer.

How to Install Linux on Ubuntu with Windows?

If you’re looking to set up a system where you can choose between Windows and Linux, the process is similar to setting up dual-boot with Ubuntu and another Linux distro.

Setting Up a Dual Boot with Windows and Linux

Shrink the Windows Partition: Using the Windows Disk Management tool, shrink the Windows partition to create free space for Linux.
Install Linux: Follow the same installation steps as outlined for dual-booting with two Linux distros. During installation, make sure you select the free space created by shrinking Windows.
Configure GRUB: The GRUB bootloader will allow you to choose between Windows and Linux during startup.

Installing Linux Alongside Windows

During the Linux installation process, make sure to select the option that installs Linux alongside Windows. The installer will automatically configure the partitions and GRUB for you.

Troubleshooting Common Installation Issues

While installing Linux on Ubuntu, you might run into some common issues. Here’s how to troubleshoot them:

Boot Issues: If your system doesn’t boot into the new Linux distribution after installation, try using a boot-repair tool like Boot-Repair.
Partitioning Errors: Double-check the partitioning steps to ensure that Ubuntu and the new distribution do not overwrite each other.
Missing GRUB Menu: If GRUB doesn’t show up, you may need to reinstall it or update it using the terminal.

Conclusion

Install Linux on Ubuntu is a fantastic way to expand your Linux knowledge and explore other distributions without the need for complex setups or hardware changes. Whether you want to install a new Linux distribution via command line, USB, or set up a dual-boot system with Windows, Ubuntu provides the flexibility to make it happen.

With this guide, you should be well-equipped to install Linux on Ubuntu using a variety of methods. If you encounter any issues or have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments below. Happy Linux exploring!

Did this guide help you set up Linux on Ubuntu? Share your experience in the comments! If you found this tutorial useful, share it with others who might benefit from it.

By following these steps, you can install Linux on Ubuntu with ease and begin exploring the vast world of Linux distributions and configurations!

Read Also : How to Install Linux on VirtualBox?