A Step-By-Step Guide to Installing Xubuntu 20.10 Linux

If you're looking to breathe new life into an old computer or just try out a new operating system, Xubuntu 20.10 Linux may be just what you need. Xubuntu is a lightweight version of popular Ubuntu Linux distribution that uses Xfce desktop environment, which makes it a great option for older machines with less powerful hardware. In this step-by-step guide, we'll walk you through process of installing Xubuntu 20.10 on your computer.

Step 1: Download Xubuntu 20.10 ISO file

The first step in installing Xubuntu 20.10 is to download ISO file from official Xubuntu website. You can choose to download 64-bit or 32-bit version, depending on your computer's hardware. Once ISO file is downloaded, you will need to create a bootable USB drive or burn it to a DVD.

Step 2: Create a bootable USB drive or burn ISO file to a DVD

To create a bootable USB drive, you can use a tool like Rufus, Etcher, or UNetbootin. These tools make it easy to create a bootable USB drive from an ISO file. If you prefer to burn ISO file to a DVD, you can use a tool like ImgBurn or Brasero.

Step 3: Boot your computer from USB drive or DVD

Once you have created a bootable USB drive or burned ISO file to a DVD, you will need to boot your computer from USB drive or DVD. To do this, you may need to change boot order in your computer's BIOS settings. When you start your computer, look for a message that tells you which key to press to enter BIOS settings. Once you are in BIOS settings, look for boot order option and make sure that USB drive or DVD is listed as first boot device.

Step 4: Start Xubuntu 20.10 installer

After you have successfully booted your computer from USB drive or DVD, you will see Xubuntu 20.10 installer screen. From here, you can choose to try Xubuntu or install it on your computer. If you choose to try Xubuntu, you can explore operating system and see if it works well with your hardware before installing it. If you are ready to install Xubuntu, click on "Install Xubuntu" icon on desktop.

Step 5: Choose your language and location

The first step in Xubuntu 20.10 installation process is to choose your language and location. This will set language and time zone for your operating system. Choose language and location that you prefer, and click on "Continue" button.

Step 6: Set up your keyboard layout

The next step is to set up your keyboard layout. Xubuntu 20.10 will automatically detect your keyboard layout, but you can choose a different layout if needed. Once you have selected your keyboard layout, click on "Continue" button.

Step 7: Allocate disk space

The next step is to allocate disk space for Xubuntu 20.10. You can choose to erase your entire hard drive and install Xubuntu or install it alongside your existing operating system. If you choose to install Xubuntu alongside your existing operating system, you will need to allocate disk space for Xubuntu. You can choose to use entire disk or specify a custom size. Once you have allocated disk space, click on "Install Now" button.

Step 8: Configure your network settings

After you have allocated disk space, Xubuntu 20.10 will start installing. While installation is in progress, you will be prompted to configure your network settings. If you are connected to internet, Xubuntu 20.10 will automatically detect your network settings and configure them for you. If you are not connected to internet, you will need to set up your network manually. You can choose to connect to a Wi-Fi network or set up a wired connection. Once you have configured your network settings, click on "Continue" button.

Step 9: Create a user account

The next step is to create a user account for Xubuntu 20.10. You will need to enter your name, a username, and a password. You can also choose to encrypt your home folder for added security. Once you have entered your user information, click on "Continue" button.

Step 10: Wait for installation to complete

After you have created your user account, Xubuntu 20.10 will continue to install. This process may take some time depending on your hardware and size of your hard drive. You can sit back and relax while installation completes.

Step 11: Restart your computer

Once installation is complete, you will be prompted to restart your computer. Click on "Restart Now" button to restart your computer.

Step 12: Enjoy Xubuntu 20.10

Congratulations, you have successfully installed Xubuntu 20.10 on your computer! You can now explore operating system and start customizing it to your liking. Xubuntu 20.10 comes with a variety of pre-installed software, including Firefox web browser, LibreOffice office suite, and Thunar file manager.

Customizing Xubuntu 20.10

One of great things about Xubuntu 20.10 is that it is highly customizable. Here are a few tips on how to customize Xubuntu 20.10 to your liking −

Change desktop wallpaper

To change desktop wallpaper, right-click on desktop and select "Desktop Settings". From here, you can choose a new wallpaper from pre-installed options or upload your own image.

Install new software

Xubuntu 20.10 comes with a variety of pre-installed software, but you can also install new software using Ubuntu Software Center or command line. To install new software using command line, open terminal and type "sudo apt-get install [package name]".

Customize panel

Xubuntu 20.10 comes with a panel at top of screen that displays your open windows, time, and other information. You can customize panel by right-clicking on it and selecting "Panel Preferences". From here, you can add or remove panel items, change panel size, and more.

Here are a few more tips and tricks to help you get most out of Xubuntu 20.10 −

Add new software repositories: By default, Xubuntu 20.10 comes with Ubuntu repositories enabled, but you can also add new repositories to access even more software. To add a new repository, open Software Sources application and click on "Other Software" tab. From here, you can add new repositories by clicking on "Add" button and entering repository URL.

Install and use different desktop environments

While Xfce is default desktop environment for Xubuntu 20.10, you can also install and use other desktop environments such as KDE, GNOME, or LXDE. To install a new desktop environment, open terminal and type "sudo apt-get install [desktop environment]". Once installation is complete, you can choose which desktop environment to use when you log in.

Use keyboard shortcuts

Xubuntu 20.10 comes with a variety of keyboard shortcuts that can make it easier and faster to use your computer. To view available keyboard shortcuts, open Settings Manager and click on "Keyboard" icon. From here, you can view and customize keyboard shortcuts for various actions.

Use terminal

Terminal is a powerful tool that can be used to perform a variety of tasks in Xubuntu 20.10. To open terminal, press Ctrl + Alt + T. From terminal, you can perform tasks such as installing new software, updating your system, and managing files and directories.

Backup your data

It's always a good idea to backup your data regularly to avoid losing important files. Xubuntu 20.10 comes with Deja Dup backup tool, which makes it easy to backup your files to an external hard drive or cloud storage service. To use Deja Dup, open Backup application and follow prompts to set up your backup preferences.

Overall, Xubuntu 20.10 is a great choice for anyone looking for a lightweight and customizable Linux distribution. By following this step-by-step guide and experimenting with different customization options, you can create a personalized and efficient computing experience that meets your needs.

Conclusion

Xubuntu 20.10 is a lightweight and customizable Linux distribution that is perfect for older computers or anyone who wants a fast and efficient operating system. With this step-by-step guide, you should be able to install Xubuntu 20.10 on your computer with ease. Once you have installed Xubuntu 20.10, you can start customizing it to your liking and exploring all great software that comes with it.