How to Download and Install Ubuntu Linux 11.4 Alpha

Ubuntu Linux 11.4 Natty Narwhal has rocked the Linux world and divided the Ubuntu camp. This is the first release of the Ubuntu Linux distribution that will ship without the Gnome shell as the user interface. This new release will ship with the Unity interface that was introduced in the netbook version of Ubuntu 10.10 the Maverick Meerkat.

Containing Linux kernel 2.6.37 and Firefox 4, the transition to the Unity interface will enable Ubuntu fans to have multitouch capability and is described by Mark Shuttleworth as "the most significant change ever" for this distribution of Linux.

While this move may anger some Ubuntu enthusiasts, you may want to explore this new look for Ubuntu before passing judgment; you can do this before the scheduled April 2011 release of Ubuntu 11.4.

Alpha editions are a way for the developers of Ubuntu Linux to enlist others in testing their product. These editions are like rough drafts and may still contain bugs and glitches that cause unexpected results, but intrepid users brave enough to sample these alpha editions have the satisfaction in knowing that their testing and use of these editions are helping Canonical produce a better product for the good of the entire Linux community.

If you would like to test the Natty Narwhal, visit the Alpha release page here and download the ISO image. Use the image burning program of your choice to burn the files to a CD (Windows 7 has a burn-to-disc feature available) and insert the newly created disc into the optical drive of your test computer. Follow the steps listed below to install the i386 version of Ubuntu Linux 11.4 alpha on your test system.

Things You'll Need:
Ubuntu 11.4 Alpha installation CD
Test computer

Step One:
Turn the computer on and instruct it to boot from CD.

Step Two:
Click the "Install Ubuntu" button.

Step Three:
Place a check mark in the box beside "Download updates while installing" if your test computer is connected to the internet and click the "Forward" button. NOTE: Check the box beside "Install this third-party software" if you desire to have MP3 support from the start.

Step Four:
Verify that there is a dot beside the radio button labeled "Erase and use the entire disk" and click "Forward."

Step Five:
If you have backed up all the data on your test machine press the "Install now" button.

Step Six:
Select your time zone using the map or type in your location and click the "Forward" button.

Step Seven:
Verify your keyboard layout, type in the box to test and press the "Forward" button.

Step Eight:
Type your name, the computer's name, choose a username and enter your password in the corresponding fields on the "Who are you?" page. You will have to type your password twice to verify the spelling. Press "Forward" when you have completed these fields. Ubuntu has been installing in the background, and now gives you some information about this new version of Linux that you can peruse while you wait. Press the arrows on each side of the presentation to explore all of the screens while Ubuntu installs and downloads updates.

Step Nine:
Press the "Restart Now" button when the installation is complete. Remove the CD from the optical drive when Ubuntu requests it.

Step Ten:
Log into your newly installed Ubuntu Linux system, and explore the new Unity Interface yourself!

Have fun!

NOTE: In order for the Unity interface to work, your computer must be capable of 3D acceleration.

Warnings:
Back up any data on the test computer before installing Ubuntu 11.4 Alpha. The installation process will erase all data on the system.

Alpha editions of software are not recommended for use in production machines. A test machine is highly recommended to avoid disruption of your normal work.

References:
Softpedia
Ubuntu Natty Narwhal Alpha Release Page
Shuttleworth: Unity shell will be default desktop in Ubuntu 11.04
Ubuntu 11.04 dubbed Natty Narwhal, will impale users in 2011
Ubuntu 11.04 Natty Narwhal - Unity replaces Gnome as default shell