Kubuntu Linux 16.04 LTS (Xenial Xerus) was released in April 21, 2016, it is free open source and it ships with the new KDE Plasma 5 desktop environment. It is recommended for novice users up to advanced developers. Note that if you plan to set this up on a very old computer you should know that it is not considered lightweight, although you have extreme customization options (soon with tutorial), and it runs fine on a 15 year old laptop I have.
Note: If you have minimal or no experience with a Linux system you may of course find it strange at first, but that's normal. All you need is the will to learn something new, especially when it is something like this. Remember it may look like Windows but it is not, it is far ahead, so it will need your attention.
ISO Download & Burn
First we will need the installation ISO image file so we can create a DVD.Download it for free from kubuntu.org/getkubuntu
(Choose 64bit or 32bit depending on your computer architecture)
Once downloaded, it is recommended to burn the image file to a DVD and not a USB. Various programs that promise a good USB result have issues -- but there are two good ones I can recommend:
If you are on Linux already, use: UNetbootin
If you are on Windows, use: LinuxLive USB Creator
It is now time to burn the ISO.
When your medium (DVD or USB) is ready, you may need to enter your BIOS setup Boot Options and make sure that you can boot from DVD or USB if needed.
Installation
Note: If you use a Wi-FI there will be an extra step in the process below. Take the time to enter your Wi-Fi information at that point.Step 1.
Start the computer that you have planned to install the system on, with the installation DVD or USB on it.
When your computer starts you will first see the boot screen, followed by the desktop loading screen.
Step 2.
At this point you will see the Live Desktop with an icon Install Kubuntu on the upper left corner.
Double click on it.
Step 3.
A window opens which lets you select the language you prefer for the installation process.
After you have selected the language, click the Continue button.
Step 4.
In this next step, click the checkbox Install third-party software for graphics and Wi-Fi hardware, Flash, MP3 and other media.
You can leave the Download updates while installing Kubuntu unchecked so that we can install the updates afterwards.
This will make sure we install the system faster. Click the Continue button.
Step 5.
Now we will choose how we want the hard drive to be formated.
Select the option: Guided - use entire disk and setup LVM
Warning: This will format the whole hard drive on the computer and create it's own partitions needed.
Any data on this drive will be wiped out.
Click the Install Now button.
Step 6.
A window opens with information about the changes that will occur to the disk.
Confirm by clicking on the Continue button.
Step 7.
At this point the system has started copying files in the background. While it is doing this, we will be asked some questions.
Select your Time Zone / location by clicking on the world map -- if it is not correctly guessed already.
You can also use the drop down menus Region and Time Zone to select your location.
Click the Continue button.
Step 8.
Next is the Keyboard Layout setup.
Choose the Layout and Variant if needed and click on the Continue button.
Note that you can also change the system language after installation.
Step 9.
Last, your computer user information.
Type in Your Name, Username, Password (twice), and set a name for your computer.
When it all looks good, click on the Continue button.
Step 10.
The system will now continue the installation without any more questions.
There will be only two more things to do before the very end.
Just sit back and watch for a little bit.
Step 11.
When this window appears, the installation has finished and you are asked to restart the computer.
You should not take the DVD or USB out yet.
Click on the Restart Now button.
Step 12.
When you see this screen, it is now the time to remove the DVD or USB stick from the computer.
When removed, hit ENTER on your keyboard.
The system will reboot.
Step 13.
This was the first system boot.
When you see this screen (the login screen) you can login to your new system.
Step 14.
After you login and wait a few seconds, if you look at the lower right corner there will be a notification about software updates.
These are the ones we didn't install during the installation process.
Click on it, and then on the Update button.
Step 15.
The Updates window opens with the list of updates to be downloaded and installed.
Click on the Update button of this window.
Step 16.
You will be asked for your password.
Linux will always ask for your password when you want to make changes to the system such as when installing updates or other software.
At this point everything is up to date.
If you see a notification on the lower right corner for a reboot, you should reboot the system as well.
Your new Linux system is ready. Be creative.
