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Asked: 2024-09-26T13:25:46+05:30 In:

Can someone guide me through the process of performing a clean installation of Ubuntu that includes the i3 window manager? I’m looking for step-by-step instructions to achieve this setup efficiently. Thank you!

I’ve been thinking about switching to Ubuntu for a while now, and honestly, I’m really excited about the whole process. I’ve heard a lot of great things about the i3 window manager, especially how it can make productivity a breeze. But, here’s the thing—I’ve never done a clean installation of an OS before, so I’m kind of nervous about the entire process.

I’m looking for some friendly guidance to help me out. Can someone walk me through the steps to perform a clean installation of Ubuntu? Like, I want to make sure I do everything right, especially if this is my first time. Should I go with the latest version of Ubuntu, or is there a specific flavor that’s better suited for i3?

I know there are a bunch of different steps involved, from downloading the ISO to creating a bootable USB drive, but I’m unsure about the details. Do I need to worry about partitioning at all, or is that something I can just skip? Also, what kind of system requirements should I be keeping in mind?

After I get Ubuntu installed, I’d love to know how to get i3 up and running. Is it part of the standard installation, or do I need to download it separately? I’ve heard there are some cool configuration files out there that can help customize the i3 experience. Any pointers on where to find those, or maybe some recommended tweaks for a newcomer like me?

Lastly, are there any common pitfalls or things I should look out for during the installation process? I really want this to go smoothly, and it would be awesome if I could get everything set up without a major headache. Thanks in advance to anyone who can lend a hand! Your input would mean a lot.

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    1. Switching to Ubuntu & i3 Window Manager Guidance

      Getting Started with Ubuntu and i3

      Switching to Ubuntu sounds like a fantastic journey! Here’s a friendly guide to help you through the clean installation process.

      1. Choosing the Version

      For your first experience, I recommend going with the latest version of Ubuntu, which often comes with Long-Term Support (LTS) versions. An LTS version is stable, and it’s perfect if you want to avoid too frequent upgrades.

      2. Downloading the ISO

      Head over to the official Ubuntu website to download the ISO file. Choose the desktop version as it’s user-friendly.

      3. Creating a Bootable USB Drive

      You can use tools like Rufus for Windows or Etcher for Linux/macOS to create a bootable USB drive:

      • Insert your USB drive (back up any important data because this process will erase it).
      • Open Rufus or Etcher, select the ISO file, and then choose your USB drive.
      • Click on Start and wait for the process to finish.

      4. Booting from USB

      Once you have your USB ready, restart your computer. You might need to enter the boot menu (usually by pressing F12, F2, or Esc depending on your hardware) to select the USB drive.

      5. Installation Process

      When you boot from the USB, you’ll see an option to “Try Ubuntu” or “Install Ubuntu.” Choose “Install Ubuntu”:

      • Follow the on-screen instructions.
      • For partitioning, if this is your only OS, you can choose “Erase disk and install Ubuntu.” If you’re dual-booting, you might need to partition yourself, but the installer can also help with that.
      • Set your time zone, keyboard layout, and create your user account.

      6. System Requirements

      Make sure your system meets these basic requirements:

      • 2 GHz dual-core processor or better
      • 2 GB RAM (4 GB recommended)
      • 25 GB of free hard drive space
      • VGA capable of 1024×768 screen resolution

      7. Installing i3

      After you’ve installed Ubuntu and logged in, you’ll need to install i3 separately:

      • Open the terminal (you can find it in applications).
      • Run the command: sudo apt install i3
      • Once installed, log out and select i3 from the login screen.

      8. Configuration Files & Tweaks

      For a smooth i3 experience, you can find configuration files on GitHub or other forums. Some good starting points include:

      • i3-gaps for additional features.
      • Search for i3 resource files and find a configuration that you like!

      9. Common Pitfalls

      Here are a few things to watch out for:

      • Backup your data before starting the installation.
      • Double-check your partitioning choices if dual-booting.
      • Pay attention during the installer – sometimes it’s easy to miss options!

      Enjoy your new journey with Ubuntu and i3! It can feel a bit overwhelming, but it’s all part of the learning process. Good luck!


    2. To begin your journey with Ubuntu and the i3 window manager, you’ll want to start by choosing the appropriate version of Ubuntu. The latest Long Term Support (LTS) version is generally recommended for stability and support, and it is currently Ubuntu 22.04 LTS. While the official flavor of Ubuntu comes with the GNOME desktop environment, for a lightweight experience tailored for i3, consider installing Ubuntu Minimal and then adding i3. To install Ubuntu, download the ISO from the official Ubuntu website, and create a bootable USB drive using tools like Rufus (for Windows) or Etcher (cross-platform). Before you boot from the USB, ensure that your system meets the requirements: at least 2 GB of RAM and 25 GB of hard drive space are generally recommended for a smooth experience.

      During the installation process, you will encounter options for partitioning your disk. If you’re okay with wiping your entire disk, choose the ‘Erase disk and install Ubuntu’ option for a clean installation. After successfully installing Ubuntu, i3 is not included by default, so you’ll need to install it separately. Open the terminal and run `sudo apt install i3` to get started. For the configuration, your home directory will have a hidden `.config/i3` folder where you can customize settings. Check out GitHub repositories for community-contributed i3 configurations to enhance your experience. As for potential pitfalls, be cautious during the partitioning stage and ensure that you back up any important data. A stable internet connection is also essential to download updates during the installation process. Good luck on your Ubuntu adventure!

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