How to: Install Ubuntu on the Mac (FOR FREE)

By: Dan Uff

A few weeks ago, I wrote this article on how to install Windows 8 using a 3rd party application called VirtualBox.

But what if you did not want to install Windows – but another operating system that was 100% free.

Ubuntu is a free Linux operating system that is a very good alternative to other operating systems such as Red Hat and others. The Graphical User’s Interface is easy to learn, and like on the Mac, it too has a built in App store. It comes with the FireFox web browser. Again, I am going to recommend Oracle’s Virtualbox as a way to run Ubuntu on top of Mac OS X.

The following was tested on a Lion installation, but I do know it’ll work with Leopard and Snow Leopard.

Without further ado:

1. Download VirtualBox here.
2. Install VirtualBox as normal.
3. Download Ubuntu here.
4. When finished downloading, move the .iso file to the desktop.
5. Launch Virtualbox and select NEW to create a new Virtual Drive.
6. Follow the screens. I suggest using the default settings for now.
7. Name the installation “Ubuntu” when prompted.
8. When asked where the installation file is, choose the file that’s on the desktop.
9. Click the OK Button.
10. When you’re back at the main menu, click the START button.
11. The installation process should begin.
12. Follow the installation screens from Ubuntu.