What is Ubuntu, exactly?
Ubuntu is a Linux distribution developed mainly by UK-based Canonical Ltd. The first version launched in 2004, and a new version is released roughly every six months. "LTS (Long Term Support)" versions receive updates for five years and are used by companies and developers worldwide. Think of Linux as the name for the OS core (kernel), and Ubuntu as one polished product built on top of it. It supports English and many other languages out of the box — choose your language at install time and everything switches over.
Ubuntu also supports many languages, and you can select your preferred language during installation so that menus and settings all appear in it.
Three ways to try Ubuntu
① Boot from USB (most recommended): Write Ubuntu to a USB drive of 8 GB or more and boot from it. The hard disk is never touched, so nothing can go wrong. This is called a "Live USB."
② Dual boot: Install both Windows and Ubuntu on one PC and choose which to start. Ubuntu runs faster this way, but there's a risk of accidentally erasing Windows data, so tackle it after you're confident.
③ Virtual machine: Use VirtualBox or VMware Workstation Player (free) to run Ubuntu as "another PC" inside Windows. Safe, but memory-hungry. 8 GB of RAM or more is recommended.
For your first try, Live USB or a virtual machine is the safe approach. Rewriting your main PC's contents straight away risks losing school assignments and photos. Always back up first, and if the PC is shared with family, don't change settings without asking.
What is Ubuntu used for?
Ubuntu isn't just for personal hobbyists — it's used in real-world production around the globe. Web servers, AI research labs, embedded systems (robots, electronic signs), educational boards like the Raspberry Pi, and university computer-science courses all feature Ubuntu prominently. Major companies like Google, Netflix, and Amazon run their services on Ubuntu or its derivatives.
Recommended uses for upper-elementary through high school
Ubuntu ships with developer tools pre-installed. Python is ready by default; a web browser, office suite, and image editor are all free to use. Because memory usage is low compared to Windows, even a 5–10-year-old laptop often runs it smoothly. Reviving "an old PC no one uses" as a learning machine with Ubuntu is a classic approach.
After installing, check Japanese input (if needed), Wi-Fi, browser, and software updates first. Then try sudo apt update, python3 --version, and git --version in the terminal to confirm the development environment is ready. Leave appearance customisation for later.
Pitfalls to watch out for
- Accidentally deleting the Windows partition during dual-boot setup wipes all your data. Always start with USB boot or a virtual machine.
- BIOS/UEFI settings differ by model. Work with a parent/guardian, search for your model name, and proceed carefully.
- Some Wi-Fi and audio devices don't have Ubuntu drivers. Boot from USB to test everything before you install.
How will this help you in the future?
In a professional IT environment, many development machines and servers run Linux. Getting comfortable with Ubuntu makes university information-systems courses, cloud learning, AI development, and server administration far easier to step into. If you've touched it in high school, you'll spend less time struggling with terminals and package management later.
Installing Ubuntu isn't the goal in itself. The value comes after: running Python, managing code with Git, setting up a web server, reading logs. If you have an old PC to experiment on, the freedom to fail and try again is hugely valuable.
Things you can do today
- Go to the Ubuntu official site (ubuntu.com) and download the latest LTS ISO (e.g. 24.04).
- Get a USB drive of 8 GB or more and the writing tool "Rufus" (for Windows).
- With a parent/guardian, use Rufus to create the USB, boot your PC from it, and choose "Try Ubuntu."
Summary
Check A safe first way to try Ubuntu is?