How to install Ubuntu on the Eee PC

Ubuntu is the Debian Linux derivative from  Canonical that has aroused a great deal of interest from computer users. Many first time users of the Open Source operating system have been searching for a pain free way of breaking their addiction to the Windows OS and Ubuntu gives them one the easiest ways to make the change.

Before I go any further, there will no doubt be many hardened users of Linux who will cite reasons for not choosing Ubuntu. Whilst I agree that there are a great range of Linux distribution that can be customised none of them compare to ease of use for beginners.

As you're probably aware, the Eee PC range of netbooks do not come with a CD/DVD drive so we'll need to grab some additional hardware (don't worry, it's only an SD card) and do some preparatory work.

First, head on over to GetEasyPeasy.com and download the image file (step 1 on the download page) and the helper file. (Links available lower down the page). The helper file is a small application called UNetbootin - a very user friendly application that makes it simple to put ISO images onto SD cards. The download page has both Windows and Linux versions of UNetbootin.

Now that you have you Ubuntu ISO image on your PC it's time to prep your SD card and this will need to be done a Linux PC (I used my Ubuntu 9.04 desktop to do it but the commands will work in any flavour of Linux). Open a console and enter the following command (copy and paste then modify as required):

dd if=/usr/lib/syslinux/mbr.bin of=[device path]

If you're unsure of how to use dd use this command to see the switches/parameters:

man dd (alternatively, you could run a search on th internet)

Now we need to format the card with FAT32 and make it bootable. This can be done using the mkfs command or by gparted (the far easier option). Now you have to write the Ubuntu ISO to the card and this is where UNetbootin comes in.

For most users, UNetbootin should detect the correct path of your SD device but make sure you check and, if necessary, manually change the target in the drop down box (see image). 

The target path will be overwritten so it's vital that the path is correct. Next, select the 'Disk Image' option then hit 'Ok'. Apart from the initial boot from SD card, the rest of the Ubuntu installation is automated. To get the Eee PC to boot from SD: press Esc during startup and choose USB from the list (Linux classifies SD cards as USB devices).

If everything has worked, you should see LiveCD booting from the SD card. If the process fails you may to start from scratch. There is an 'OS Instalation' option in the BIOS that my need changing so don't give up, try again.

Once you have the LiveCD running you can install over the top of Xandros. Replacing the desktop environment takes quite a while but, once complete, Ubuntu will run directly from the Eee PC's Solid State Disk (SSD). That's it, all done

If you want to make a few more tweaks, including increasing battery life, boost the boot speed or simply rectifying problems make sure you check out the Ubuntu Eee forums. You could also try installing Netbook Remix - you'll find details of the latest version over at GetEasyPeasy.

That's all now, have fun installing Ubuntu on your Eee PC.